Poland's nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) was on course to keep its ruling majority after a general election on Sunday, an exit poll showed, a victory likely to stoke concern about democratic standards in the largest former Soviet European Union state.

A second term for PiS will also bolster anti-immigration populists in the European Union are who keen to scale back the bloc's liberal agenda and who cheer Poland's chafing against Brussels over the rule of law.

The poll by Ipsos gave PiS 43.6% of the vote, with 27.4% of the ballots going to the centrist Civic Coalition, an umbrella group that includes the Civic Platform formerly led by European Union Council President Donald Tusk. A leftist bloc garnered 11.9% of votes in the poll.

"We have victory," PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski, 70, told party members at the party's headquarters in central Warsaw, but he added the party had "deserved to win more".

Election officials are expected to start announcing partial results on Monday.

Opposition groups and Poland's EU partners have said that during its four years in power PiS has undermined the independence of the judiciary, forced public media to promote its agenda and taken other steps to quell dissent.

It has shifted Poland's foreign policy away from the European mainstream, becoming a leading proponent of calls to take some powers away from Brussels.

Throughout the campaign, PiS told voters that business and cultural elites in Poland should be replaced with people who espouse patriotic values, to ensure fair market competition and access to state institutions such as courts.

It has given few details about future policy plans, but Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro told reporters after voting ended on Sunday that PiS "had a real plan ... for courts to stop being the ball and chain of the Polish economy."

The party has cast the election as a choice between a society rooted in traditional Catholic values and a liberal order that promotes a chosen few and undermines family life.

Critics accused it of fomenting homophobia during the election campaign, with PiS officials calling lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights an invasive foreign influence that threatens Poland's national identity.

Under Poland's complex election rules, the PiS result from Sunday's exit poll would translate into 239 seats in the 460-member lower house of parliament, calculations by private broadcaster TVN showed. PiS has 240 seats in the outgoing legislature.

Divided society

PiS has drawn support from poorer Poles who feel they have missed out on prosperity since the collapse of communism in 1989. The party has mixed nationalist rhetoric with a vast welfare programme financed by an economic boom.

To build up support, it has depended on close links with Poland's dominant Catholic Church, with senior officials frequently attending religious ceremonies and events, and the party has espoused stronger religious values in public life.

"I see that they are building something, that they are doing something, that they have bought something back, it was all devastated, everything was sold, Poland had nothing, and I support PiS for that," said Teresa Sass, an 85-year-old pensioner in the northern city of Gdansk.

According to Ipsos, voter turnout surged to 61.1%, which, if confirmed, would be the highest in a parliamentary vote since a 1989 partially free election that ushered in the end of communist rule in Poland.

The rise follows mounting political polarisation in Poland, with many PiS opponents anxious about the future of democracy in the country once seen as an exemplar of democratic transition.

"When I talk with my mother, I practice the art of avoidance, I don't get into any ideological discussions with her," said Krzysztof Michalec, 56, as he waited in the sunshine to see Kaczynski cast his vote in Warsaw.

A former opposition activist during communism, Michalec voted for the Civic Platform.

The election will see the return of left-wing parties into parliament after they lost their seats four years ago because of fragmentation.

The Spring party of Robert Biedron, 43, Poland's first openly gay lawmaker, and Together of Adrian Zandberg campaigned as part of a bloc on a promise to end coal mining and sever the links between church and state.

"We did it, we enter parliament as a third-largest political force," Zandberg, 39, was quoted as saying by the state PAP news agency.

Poland's nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) was on course to keep its ruling majority after a general election on Sunday, an exit poll showed, a victory likely to stoke concern about democratic standards in the largest former Soviet European Union state.

Poland's nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) was on course to keep its ruling majority after a general election on Sunday, an exit poll showed, a victory likely to stoke concern about democratic standards in the largest former Soviet European Union state. A second term for PiS will also bolster anti-immigration populists in the European Union are who keen to scale back the bloc's liberal agenda and who cheer Poland's chafing against Brussels over the rule of law. The poll by Ipsos gave PiS 43.6% of the vote, with 27.4% of the ballots going to the centrist Civic Coalition, an umbrella group that includes the Civic Platform formerly led by European Union Council President Donald Tusk. A leftist bloc garnered 11.9% of votes in the poll. "We have victory," PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski, 70, told party members at the party's headquarters in central Warsaw, but he added the party had "deserved to win more". Election officials are expected to start announcing partial results on Monday. Opposition groups and Poland's EU partners have said that during its four years in power PiS has undermined the independence of the judiciary, forced public media to promote its agenda and taken other steps to quell dissent. It has shifted Poland's foreign policy away from the European mainstream, becoming a leading proponent of calls to take some powers away from Brussels. Throughout the campaign, PiS told voters that business and cultural elites in Poland should be replaced with people who espouse patriotic values, to ensure fair market competition and access to state institutions such as courts. It has given few details about future policy plans, but Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro told reporters after voting ended on Sunday that PiS "had a real plan ... for courts to stop being the ball and chain of the Polish economy." The party has cast the election as a choice between a society rooted in traditional Catholic values and a liberal order that promotes a chosen few and undermines family life. Critics accused it of fomenting homophobia during the election campaign, with PiS officials calling lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights an invasive foreign influence that threatens Poland's national identity. Under Poland's complex election rules, the PiS result from Sunday's exit poll would translate into 239 seats in the 460-member lower house of parliament, calculations by private broadcaster TVN showed. PiS has 240 seats in the outgoing legislature. Divided society PiS has drawn support from poorer Poles who feel they have missed out on prosperity since the collapse of communism in 1989. The party has mixed nationalist rhetoric with a vast welfare programme financed by an economic boom. To build up support, it has depended on close links with Poland's dominant Catholic Church, with senior officials frequently attending religious ceremonies and events, and the party has espoused stronger religious values in public life. "I see that they are building something, that they are doing something, that they have bought something back, it was all devastated, everything was sold, Poland had nothing, and I support PiS for that," said Teresa Sass, an 85-year-old pensioner in the northern city of Gdansk. According to Ipsos, voter turnout surged to 61.1%, which, if confirmed, would be the highest in a parliamentary vote since a 1989 partially free election that ushered in the end of communist rule in Poland. The rise follows mounting political polarisation in Poland, with many PiS opponents anxious about the future of democracy in the country once seen as an exemplar of democratic transition. "When I talk with my mother, I practice the art of avoidance, I don't get into any ideological discussions with her," said Krzysztof Michalec, 56, as he waited in the sunshine to see Kaczynski cast his vote in Warsaw. A former opposition activist during communism, Michalec voted for the Civic Platform. The election will see the return of left-wing parties into parliament after they lost their seats four years ago because of fragmentation. The Spring party of Robert Biedron, 43, Poland's first openly gay lawmaker, and Together of Adrian Zandberg campaigned as part of a bloc on a promise to end coal mining and sever the links between church and state. "We did it, we enter parliament as a third-largest political force," Zandberg, 39, was quoted as saying by the state PAP news agency.

Poland's nationalists on course to stay in power for second term

Japan's "Ferraris" hit top gear Sunday as the hosts beat Scotland 28-21 in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japan-scotland-rugby-world-cup-match-gets-go-ahead-after-typhoon-255556">barnstorming Rugby World Cup clash</a> to create history by reaching the quarter-finals.

Rampaging wingers Kotaro Matsushima and Kenki Fukuoka did the damage for Japan, who survived a late fightback in Yokohama to advance as Pool A winners along with Ireland.

The Brave Blossoms will face two-time world champions South Africa in Tokyo next weekend after making it a perfect four wins out of four, roared on by a crowd of 67,000.

Fukuoka, scorer of Japan's try in their 19-12 upset over Ireland, grabbed two more in Yokohama with Matsushima notching his fifth of the tournament for the rampant Japanese.&nbsp;

After a war of words between the rival coaches in the build-up, the teams observed a moment's silence for the victims of the violent typhoon that swept through Japan on Saturday, killing at least 26 and forcing organisers to scrap three pool games.

The needle between the sides quickly resurfaced in Sunday's typhoon-threatened Pool A decider, however, as both teams put in some monstrous early tackles.

"For my team, the whole World Cup, we've prepared really, really well. They've put their bodies on the line every weekend," said Japan coach Jamie Joseph, who has compared his wide players to Ferraris.

"But tonight they went another level I felt. They gave everything they possibly could -- everyone gave 150 per cent and that's what it takes to win big Test matches."

Scotland needed to win while preventing Japan from securing a defensive bonus point -- and they got off to a flying start.&nbsp;

Early pressure told as fly-half Finn Russell broke through to give them the lead after just seven minutes.

But the Japanese hit back with Matsushima latching onto a superb, one-handed offload from Fukuoka to score his fifth try of the tournament.&nbsp;

Mountain to climb

Even better was to come from the hosts with a dazzling move straight out of a basketball playbook, quick hands between Shota Horie and William Tupou releasing loosehead prop Keita Inagaki to crash over.&nbsp;

On the stroke of half-time, Fukuoka plucked a high-bouncing Timothy Lafaele grubber out of the air to leave Scotland with a mountain to climb.

Man of the match Fukuoka then produced a moment of magic moments into the second half, stripping the ball from Chris Harris before accelerating clear.&nbsp;

Scotland, who bounced back from a 27-3 drubbing by Ireland to smash Samoa 34-0 and Russia 61-0, looked out of it.&nbsp;

However, when WP Nel and Zander Fagerson bulldozed over in the space of five minutes, suddenly the Japanese were creaking.&nbsp;

But they withstood a late barrage to avenge a 45-10 defeat by Scotland that cost them a place in the knockout stages of the 2015 World Cup.&nbsp;

"We're not coming out next week to have a good time and lose," warned Japan captain Michael Leitch, looking to the quarter-finals. "We're coming to win."

Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw bemoaned "soft tries" his side had gifted Japan.

"We gave it a good crack in the second half but when you leak 28 points, you're always going to be chasing the game," he said.

"You've got to give Japan credit. They've really improved since four years ago."

That Japan team, led by Eddie Jones, won three pool matches, including a breathless 34-32 victory over South Africa in their opening game.&nbsp;

Japan's current vintage thrashed Russia 30-10 and Samoa 38-19 either side of their massive win over Ireland, and Joseph will relish the chance to have another crack at the Springboks next weekend.

"This doesn't happen overnight," said the former All Black. "You've got to go through a bit of pain."

Japan's "Ferraris" hit top gear Sunday as the hosts beat Scotland 28-21 in a barnstorming Rugby World Cup clash to create history by reaching the quarter-finals.

Japan's "Ferraris" hit top gear Sunday as the hosts beat Scotland 28-21 in a barnstorming Rugby World Cup clash to create history by reaching the quarter-finals. Rampaging wingers Kotaro Matsushima and Kenki Fukuoka did the damage for Japan, who survived a late fightback in Yokohama to advance as Pool A winners along with Ireland. The Brave Blossoms will face two-time world champions South Africa in Tokyo next weekend after making it a perfect four wins out of four, roared on by a crowd of 67,000. Fukuoka, scorer of Japan's try in their 19-12 upset over Ireland, grabbed two more in Yokohama with Matsushima notching his fifth of the tournament for the rampant Japanese. After a war of words between the rival coaches in the build-up, the teams observed a moment's silence for the victims of the violent typhoon that swept through Japan on Saturday, killing at least 26 and forcing organisers to scrap three pool games. The needle between the sides quickly resurfaced in Sunday's typhoon-threatened Pool A decider, however, as both teams put in some monstrous early tackles. "For my team, the whole World Cup, we've prepared really, really well. They've put their bodies on the line every weekend," said Japan coach Jamie Joseph, who has compared his wide players to Ferraris. "But tonight they went another level I felt. They gave everything they possibly could -- everyone gave 150 per cent and that's what it takes to win big Test matches." Scotland needed to win while preventing Japan from securing a defensive bonus point -- and they got off to a flying start. Early pressure told as fly-half Finn Russell broke through to give them the lead after just seven minutes. But the Japanese hit back with Matsushima latching onto a superb, one-handed offload from Fukuoka to score his fifth try of the tournament. Mountain to climb Even better was to come from the hosts with a dazzling move straight out of a basketball playbook, quick hands between Shota Horie and William Tupou releasing loosehead prop Keita Inagaki to crash over. On the stroke of half-time, Fukuoka plucked a high-bouncing Timothy Lafaele grubber out of the air to leave Scotland with a mountain to climb. Man of the match Fukuoka then produced a moment of magic moments into the second half, stripping the ball from Chris Harris before accelerating clear. Scotland, who bounced back from a 27-3 drubbing by Ireland to smash Samoa 34-0 and Russia 61-0, looked out of it. However, when WP Nel and Zander Fagerson bulldozed over in the space of five minutes, suddenly the Japanese were creaking. But they withstood a late barrage to avenge a 45-10 defeat by Scotland that cost them a place in the knockout stages of the 2015 World Cup. "We're not coming out next week to have a good time and lose," warned Japan captain Michael Leitch, looking to the quarter-finals. "We're coming to win." Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw bemoaned "soft tries" his side had gifted Japan. "We gave it a good crack in the second half but when you leak 28 points, you're always going to be chasing the game," he said. "You've got to give Japan credit. They've really improved since four years ago." That Japan team, led by Eddie Jones, won three pool matches, including a breathless 34-32 victory over South Africa in their opening game. Japan's current vintage thrashed Russia 30-10 and Samoa 38-19 either side of their massive win over Ireland, and Joseph will relish the chance to have another crack at the Springboks next weekend. "This doesn't happen overnight," said the former All Black. "You've got to go through a bit of pain."

Japan beats Scotland 28-21 in Rugby World Cup, reaches quarter-finals

Lewis Hamilton said he was in no hurry to win a sixth world championship after the title battle was reduced to a two-horse Mercedes race at the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Formula One circus moves on to Mexico in two weeks' time where Hamilton, enjoying a 64-point lead over Valtteri Bottas, can wrap up a third consecutive drivers' crown if he outscores his teammate by 14 points or more.

More likely is that the battle will be concluded at the subsequent race at the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

Bottas's victory at Suzuka and Hamilton's third-place clinched a sixth consecutive constructors' championship for Mercedes and left the Finn as the only driver who can catch Hamilton over the final four races of the campaign.

"I think for me it's never been a case of always wanting to rush things," Hamilton told reporters Sunday adding that he expected a tough battle from his teammate over the final few races.

"Valtteri's driven well all year long, he's done a great job today and he will most likely do a very, very solid job these next races, so we still have a battle, the fight continues," he added.

Hamilton is not expecting an easy time in the rarefied high-altitude air of Mexico which should suit Ferrari, who holds an obvious advantage in straight-line speed.

"I think Mexico is generally our worst race of the year because of the way our car is set up and it's going to be a tough one for us," said a downbeat Hamilton, who was quicker on fresher tyres than second-placed Sebastian Vettel in the closing stages at Suzuka but was unable to barge past.

"The last few (races) have been pretty shocking, even though we've won the title," he said after resurgent Ferrari won in three races out of four up to Japan and out qualified Mercedes comfortably at Suzuka.

"I'm hoping for a better weekend but I think it's going to be very hard to beat the Ferraris with those long straights.&nbsp;

"We have no hope of getting by on those straights, that's for sure but even if you look at the others, the McLarens are picking up some serious speeds on the straights, so are the Red Bulls so I think it will be a tricky one.&nbsp;

"I don't anticipate (the title win) will be Mexico. I think we will be battling for a good few races."

Bottas jumped from third to first with an electric start to win in Japan ahead of Vettel and Hamilton.

With only Bottas now able to overtake Hamilton in the standings, Mercedes clinched an unprecedented sixth successive world championship double of drivers and constructors titles.

Hamilton dedicated the achievement to the team's former non-executive director Niki Lauda, who died in May.

"It definitely feels a little bit different," Hamilton said of the three-time Formula One world champion.&nbsp;

"I wouldn't say as happy as previously because naturally we lost Niki this year and it doesn't feel the same without him.&nbsp;

"Every time I walk into the garage I see Niki's headphones and his cap. I sat and I looked at it today.

"I think the whole team and the whole of Mercedes will probably dedicate this to Niki. I definitely do."

Lewis Hamilton said he was in no hurry to win a sixth world championship after the title battle was reduced to a two-horse Mercedes race at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton said he was in no hurry to win a sixth world championship after the title battle was reduced to a two-horse Mercedes race at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Formula One circus moves on to Mexico in two weeks' time where Hamilton, enjoying a 64-point lead over Valtteri Bottas, can wrap up a third consecutive drivers' crown if he outscores his teammate by 14 points or more. More likely is that the battle will be concluded at the subsequent race at the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Bottas's victory at Suzuka and Hamilton's third-place clinched a sixth consecutive constructors' championship for Mercedes and left the Finn as the only driver who can catch Hamilton over the final four races of the campaign. "I think for me it's never been a case of always wanting to rush things," Hamilton told reporters Sunday adding that he expected a tough battle from his teammate over the final few races. "Valtteri's driven well all year long, he's done a great job today and he will most likely do a very, very solid job these next races, so we still have a battle, the fight continues," he added. Hamilton is not expecting an easy time in the rarefied high-altitude air of Mexico which should suit Ferrari, who holds an obvious advantage in straight-line speed. "I think Mexico is generally our worst race of the year because of the way our car is set up and it's going to be a tough one for us," said a downbeat Hamilton, who was quicker on fresher tyres than second-placed Sebastian Vettel in the closing stages at Suzuka but was unable to barge past. "The last few (races) have been pretty shocking, even though we've won the title," he said after resurgent Ferrari won in three races out of four up to Japan and out qualified Mercedes comfortably at Suzuka. "I'm hoping for a better weekend but I think it's going to be very hard to beat the Ferraris with those long straights. "We have no hope of getting by on those straights, that's for sure but even if you look at the others, the McLarens are picking up some serious speeds on the straights, so are the Red Bulls so I think it will be a tricky one. "I don't anticipate (the title win) will be Mexico. I think we will be battling for a good few races." Bottas jumped from third to first with an electric start to win in Japan ahead of Vettel and Hamilton. With only Bottas now able to overtake Hamilton in the standings, Mercedes clinched an unprecedented sixth successive world championship double of drivers and constructors titles. Hamilton dedicated the achievement to the team's former non-executive director Niki Lauda, who died in May. "It definitely feels a little bit different," Hamilton said of the three-time Formula One world champion. "I wouldn't say as happy as previously because naturally we lost Niki this year and it doesn't feel the same without him. "Every time I walk into the garage I see Niki's headphones and his cap. I sat and I looked at it today. "I think the whole team and the whole of Mercedes will probably dedicate this to Niki. I definitely do."

Lewis Hamilton in no hurry to win Formula One title in Mexico

American boxer Patrick Day was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-fighter-patrick-day-in-coma-after-vicious-knockout-report-255589">fighting for his life</a> in critical condition in hospital on Sunday night after lapsing into a coma following a vicious knockout by Charles Conwell the night before.

The 27-year-old Day suffered a "traumatic injury" and underwent emergency brain surgery Saturday night after being knocked out by Conwell in a super welterweight bout on the card at Chicago's Winstrust Arena.

"Patrick is in a coma caused by the injury and is in extremely critical condition," said fight promoter Lou DiBella. "We appreciate the outpouring of support, prayers and offers of assistance from all corners of the boxing community."

Day is in intensive care in Northwestern Memorial hospital. No specific details of Day's injuries were provided by the promoter.

Conwell asked his social media followers to pray for Day's recovery. "Keep him in your prayers!! #prayforpatrickday," he wrote on his Twitter page.&nbsp;

"Pat Day makes any room he is in a better place. Never saw him greet someone without a big smile," DiBella wrote on Twitter. "Life doesn't seem fair sometimes. Please keep Pat in your prayers, thoughts and hearts."

Day was unconscious when he was taken from the ring in a stretcher and loaded onto a waiting ambulance. He suffered a seizure in the ambulance and needed a breathing tube once he arrived at the hospital.

Conwell, a 2016 American Olympian, was dominating the fight dropping Day in the fourth and eighth rounds and then landing a right hand in the 10th which caused Day to stumble.&nbsp;

Seconds later he rocked Day with a massive left hook that resulted in Day falling backwards and his head bouncing off the canvas. Referee Celestino Ruiz called off the fight at one minute, 46 seconds of the round.

Day lay on the canvas for several minutes while receiving medical treatment before being removed from the ring.&nbsp;

Day was coming off a loss in June to Carlos Adames in New York. He has 17 wins and four losses and one draw in his pro career which began in 2013.

Day was fighting on the undercard of Russian Dmitry Bivol's successful World Boxing Association light-heavyweight world title defence over Lenin Castillo.

American boxer Patrick Day was fighting for his life in critical condition in hospital on Sunday night after lapsing into a coma following a vicious knockout by Charles Conwell the night before.

American boxer Patrick Day was fighting for his life in critical condition in hospital on Sunday night after lapsing into a coma following a vicious knockout by Charles Conwell the night before. The 27-year-old Day suffered a "traumatic injury" and underwent emergency brain surgery Saturday night after being knocked out by Conwell in a super welterweight bout on the card at Chicago's Winstrust Arena. "Patrick is in a coma caused by the injury and is in extremely critical condition," said fight promoter Lou DiBella. "We appreciate the outpouring of support, prayers and offers of assistance from all corners of the boxing community." Day is in intensive care in Northwestern Memorial hospital. No specific details of Day's injuries were provided by the promoter. Conwell asked his social media followers to pray for Day's recovery. "Keep him in your prayers!! #prayforpatrickday," he wrote on his Twitter page. "Pat Day makes any room he is in a better place. Never saw him greet someone without a big smile," DiBella wrote on Twitter. "Life doesn't seem fair sometimes. Please keep Pat in your prayers, thoughts and hearts." Day was unconscious when he was taken from the ring in a stretcher and loaded onto a waiting ambulance. He suffered a seizure in the ambulance and needed a breathing tube once he arrived at the hospital. Conwell, a 2016 American Olympian, was dominating the fight dropping Day in the fourth and eighth rounds and then landing a right hand in the 10th which caused Day to stumble. Seconds later he rocked Day with a massive left hook that resulted in Day falling backwards and his head bouncing off the canvas. Referee Celestino Ruiz called off the fight at one minute, 46 seconds of the round. Day lay on the canvas for several minutes while receiving medical treatment before being removed from the ring. Day was coming off a loss in June to Carlos Adames in New York. He has 17 wins and four losses and one draw in his pro career which began in 2013. Day was fighting on the undercard of Russian Dmitry Bivol's successful World Boxing Association light-heavyweight world title defence over Lenin Castillo.

US boxer Patrick Day 'extremely critical' after devastating knockout

Tens of thousands of rescue workers were searching Monday for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-26-dead-as-typhoon-hagibis-slams-japan-255699">survivors of powerful Typhoon Hagibis</a>, two days after the storm slammed into Japan, killing at least 35 people.

Hagibis crashed into the country on Saturday night, but brought hours of heavy rains even before it arrived, causing landslides and filling rivers until they burst their banks.

The destruction forced the Rugby World Cup being hosted by Japan to cancel several games, but the "Brave Blossoms", as the national team is known, lifted spirits with a stunning 28-21 victory over Scotland on Sunday that put them into the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time.

More than 110,000 rescuers, including 31,000 troops, worked through the night and into Monday, a national holiday, searching for people trapped by the disaster.

Local media said at least 35 people had been killed, with the Kyodo news agency reporting nearly 20 people were missing. Government figures from Sunday night were lower, though updates were expected on Monday.

While Hagibis, one of the most powerful storms to hit the Tokyo area in decades, packed wind gusts of up to 216 kilometres per hours, it was the heavy rains that caused most damage, with 21 rivers bursting their banks.

In central Nagano, a levee breach sent water from the Chikuma river gushing into residential neighbourhoods, flooding homes up to the second floor.

Military and fire department helicopters winched survivors from roofs and balconies in several locations, but in Fukushima, one operation went tragically awry when a woman died after falling while being rescued.

'Saving lives top priority'

Elsewhere, rescuers used boats during an hours-long operation to retrieve hundreds of people trapped in a retirement home in Kawagoe, northwest of Tokyo, when floodwaters inundated the building.

One elderly woman wearing an orange life vest was carried from a boat on the back of a rescuer. Others were hoisted into wheelchairs and pushed along a muddy shore after arriving by boat.

Rescue efforts were continuing on Monday morning, with local television showing soldiers rowing a rubber rescue dingy through floodwaters in Fukushima, while elsewhere workers removed dirt with a digger.

Watch video:

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The death toll mounted throughout the day Sunday as bodies were recovered from flooded homes and cars, buildings caught in landslides, and swollen rivers.

The dead included a municipal worker whose car was overcome by floodwaters and at least five Chinese crew members aboard a boat that sank in Tokyo Bay on Saturday night.

"Twelve crew were on board. Five Chinese have been found dead," a coastguard official told AFP.

He said four other crew, from China, Myanmar and Vietnam, had been rescued and search operations resumed at daybreak for the remaining three members.

"We plan to dispatch 11 boats, two helicopters and a dozen divers to the site. We are trying our best," he added.

Japan dedicates rugby win to victims

On Monday morning, some 57,500 households remained without power, with 120,000 experiencing water outages.

The disaster left tens of thousands of people in shelters, with many unsure when they would be able to return home.

"Everything from my house was washed away before my eyes, I wasn't sure if it was a dream or real," a woman in Nagoya told national broadcaster NHK.

"I feel lucky I'm still alive."

The storm brought travel chaos over the holiday weekend, grounding flights and halting commuter and bullet train services.

By Monday, most subway trains had resumed service, along with many bullet train lines, and flights had also restarted.

The storm also brought havoc to the sporting world, forcing the delay of Japanese Grand Prix qualifiers and the cancellation of three Rugby World Cup matches.

But a crucial decider pitting Japan against Scotland went ahead, with the hosts dedicating their win to the victims of the disaster.

"To everyone that's suffering from the typhoon, this game was for you guys," said Japan captain Michael Leitch.

Tens of thousands of rescue workers were searching Monday for survivors of powerful Typhoon Hagibis, two days after the storm slammed into Japan, killing at least 35 people.

Tens of thousands of rescue workers were searching Monday for survivors of powerful Typhoon Hagibis, two days after the storm slammed into Japan, killing at least 35 people. Hagibis crashed into the country on Saturday night, but brought hours of heavy rains even before it arrived, causing landslides and filling rivers until they burst their banks. The destruction forced the Rugby World Cup being hosted by Japan to cancel several games, but the "Brave Blossoms", as the national team is known, lifted spirits with a stunning 28-21 victory over Scotland on Sunday that put them into the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time. More than 110,000 rescuers, including 31,000 troops, worked through the night and into Monday, a national holiday, searching for people trapped by the disaster. Local media said at least 35 people had been killed, with the Kyodo news agency reporting nearly 20 people were missing. Government figures from Sunday night were lower, though updates were expected on Monday. While Hagibis, one of the most powerful storms to hit the Tokyo area in decades, packed wind gusts of up to 216 kilometres per hours, it was the heavy rains that caused most damage, with 21 rivers bursting their banks. In central Nagano, a levee breach sent water from the Chikuma river gushing into residential neighbourhoods, flooding homes up to the second floor. Military and fire department helicopters winched survivors from roofs and balconies in several locations, but in Fukushima, one operation went tragically awry when a woman died after falling while being rescued. 'Saving lives top priority' Elsewhere, rescuers used boats during an hours-long operation to retrieve hundreds of people trapped in a retirement home in Kawagoe, northwest of Tokyo, when floodwaters inundated the building. One elderly woman wearing an orange life vest was carried from a boat on the back of a rescuer. Others were hoisted into wheelchairs and pushed along a muddy shore after arriving by boat. Rescue efforts were continuing on Monday morning, with local television showing soldiers rowing a rubber rescue dingy through floodwaters in Fukushima, while elsewhere workers removed dirt with a digger. Watch video: The death toll mounted throughout the day Sunday as bodies were recovered from flooded homes and cars, buildings caught in landslides, and swollen rivers. The dead included a municipal worker whose car was overcome by floodwaters and at least five Chinese crew members aboard a boat that sank in Tokyo Bay on Saturday night. "Twelve crew were on board. Five Chinese have been found dead," a coastguard official told AFP. He said four other crew, from China, Myanmar and Vietnam, had been rescued and search operations resumed at daybreak for the remaining three members. "We plan to dispatch 11 boats, two helicopters and a dozen divers to the site. We are trying our best," he added. Japan dedicates rugby win to victims On Monday morning, some 57,500 households remained without power, with 120,000 experiencing water outages. The disaster left tens of thousands of people in shelters, with many unsure when they would be able to return home. "Everything from my house was washed away before my eyes, I wasn't sure if it was a dream or real," a woman in Nagoya told national broadcaster NHK. "I feel lucky I'm still alive." The storm brought travel chaos over the holiday weekend, grounding flights and halting commuter and bullet train services. By Monday, most subway trains had resumed service, along with many bullet train lines, and flights had also restarted. The storm also brought havoc to the sporting world, forcing the delay of Japanese Grand Prix qualifiers and the cancellation of three Rugby World Cup matches. But a crucial decider pitting Japan against Scotland went ahead, with the hosts dedicating their win to the victims of the disaster. "To everyone that's suffering from the typhoon, this game was for you guys," said Japan captain Michael Leitch.

Japan rescuers seek survivors after Typhoon Hagibis kills 35

Three mortar rounds landed near the Parliament building in Kabul&nbsp;on Monday, as per local media reports which cited officials. Quoting security officials, TOLOnews reported that no casualties have been reported yet.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

The Afghan government forces have been fighting the Taliban for almost two decades, with all the peace initiatives having&nbsp;failed until now. The ongoing instability resulted in the rise of other terrorist groups across the country, including the ISIS.

Three mortar rounds landed near the Parliament building in Kabul on Monday, as per local media reports which cited officials. Quoting security officials, TOLOnews reported that no casualties have been reported yet.

Three mortar rounds landed near the Parliament building in Kabul on Monday, as per local media reports which cited officials. Quoting security officials, TOLOnews reported that no casualties have been reported yet. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. The Afghan government forces have been fighting the Taliban for almost two decades, with all the peace initiatives having failed until now. The ongoing instability resulted in the rise of other terrorist groups across the country, including the ISIS.

Three mortar rounds land near Kabul's Parliament building

A local prosecutor was killed in the central Afghan province of Ghor in an attack by unidentified gunmen, the provincial governor's spokesman Abdul Hai Khatibi told Sputnik on Monday.

The province's appellate court prosecutor Abdul Momin Nusrat was killed along with his brother on Sunday as they were on their way between the town of Firuzkoh and the village of Bahari.

Two employees of a local education department were also injured in the attack, according to the provincial spokesman.

This comes a day after Taliban militants gunned down the governor of the Jaghatu district of Afghanistan's Wardak, Raz Mohammad Waziri.

The situation in Afghanistan has been tense for decades as the government forces fight the radical Taliban movement, with all the peace initiatives having failed so far.

The ongoing instability has resulted in the rise of other extremist groups across the country, including the Islamic State terrorist group.

A local prosecutor was killed in the central Afghan province of Ghor in an attack by unidentified gunmen, the provincial governor's spokesman Abdul Hai Khatibi told Sputnik on Monday.

A local prosecutor was killed in the central Afghan province of Ghor in an attack by unidentified gunmen, the provincial governor's spokesman Abdul Hai Khatibi told Sputnik on Monday. The province's appellate court prosecutor Abdul Momin Nusrat was killed along with his brother on Sunday as they were on their way between the town of Firuzkoh and the village of Bahari. Two employees of a local education department were also injured in the attack, according to the provincial spokesman. This comes a day after Taliban militants gunned down the governor of the Jaghatu district of Afghanistan's Wardak, Raz Mohammad Waziri. The situation in Afghanistan has been tense for decades as the government forces fight the radical Taliban movement, with all the peace initiatives having failed so far. The ongoing instability has resulted in the rise of other extremist groups across the country, including the Islamic State terrorist group.

Afghanistan: Unidentified gunmen kill prosecutor in Ghor Province

Typhoon Hagibis: How Japan bounces back from earthquakes and other natural calamities

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Saudi Arabia on Monday for the first time in over a decade, seeking to capitalise on growing influence borne of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/day-5-of-turkeys-military-operation-in-syria-255702">military advances in Syria</a>, strong ties with regional rivals and cooperation on energy policy.

Moscow accrued power in the Middle East in 2015 by sending troops to Syria, where it and Iran have been key backers of President Bashar al-Assad amid civil war, while the United States pulled back.

On the eve of Putin's trip,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-says-up-to-1000-us-troops-to-withdraw-from-northern-syria-255677"> US&nbsp;troops were evacuating</a> northern Syria as their erstwhile Kurdish allies struck a deal with Assad's Russian-backed army aimed at halting a Turkish offensive.

Russia has also strengthened ties with both Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Iran, which are locked in a decades-old contest for influence that veered towards open conflict after a recent spate of attacks on oil assets in the Gulf that Riyadh and Washington blame on Tehran. Iran denies the charges.

Tensions with Iran, which is locked in several proxy wars with Saudi Arabia including in Syria, have risen to new highs after Washington last year quit a 2015 international nuclear accord with Tehran and re-imposed sanctions.

Putin, accompanied on the trip by his energy minister and head of Russia's wealth fund, is due to hold talks with King Salman and de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with whom Putin says he has friendly relations.

The strengthened ties have seen non-OPEC Russia, once regarded as a rival in oil markets, join OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia in forming an alliance known as OPEC+ to support crude prices by restraining output.

Ahead of the visit, Putin, who offered to provide Russian defense systems to the kingdom after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/attacks-on-oil-facilities-unquestionably-sponsored-by-iran-saudi-arabia-250580">September&nbsp;14 attacks </a>on its oil facilities, said he could also play a positive role in easing tensions with Tehran as he had good ties with both sides.

Any progress on long-mulled Saudi plans to purchase the Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile systems would cause disquiet in Washington, which announced over the weekend it was sending around 3,000 troops and additional air defence systems to Saudi Arabia following last month's attack.

Asked about concerns Riyadh was cozying up to Moscow, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said he saw no contradiction.

"We don’t believe that having close ties with Russia has any negative impact on our relationship with the United States," he told reporters on Sunday. "We believe that we can have strategic and strong ties with the United States while we develop our ties with Russia."

Russian and Saudi flags lined the streets of Riyadh ahead of Putin's one-day visit, which includes a performance by Russia's Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra. Putin then travels to the United Arab Emirates.

In meetings with Saudi leaders, the Russian president will discuss the OPEC+ pact, which has seen production cut by 1.2 million barrels per day since January.

A forum will convene 300 Saudi and Russian CEOs. The two sides are expected to sign more than $2 billion of deals, including a joint investment by state oil giant Saudi Aramco and Russia’s RDIF sovereign wealth fund.

RDIF head Kirill Dmitriev said a number of Russian investors were interested in a planned initial public offering of Aramco, which could sell between 1 per cent&nbsp;and 2 per cent through a local listing as early as November ahead of a potential international offering.

Energy Minister Alexander Novak said Russia's Gazprom is interested in cooperating with Saudi firms on natural gas.

Moscow, the world’s largest wheat exporter, made some progress in accessing the Saudi and Middle Eastern markets when the kingdom agreed in August to relax specifications for wheat imports, opening the door to Black Sea imports.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Saudi Arabia on Monday for the first time in over a decade, seeking to capitalise on growing influence borne of military advances in Syria, strong ties with regional rivals and cooperation on energy policy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Saudi Arabia on Monday for the first time in over a decade, seeking to capitalise on growing influence borne of military advances in Syria, strong ties with regional rivals and cooperation on energy policy. Moscow accrued power in the Middle East in 2015 by sending troops to Syria, where it and Iran have been key backers of President Bashar al-Assad amid civil war, while the United States pulled back. On the eve of Putin's trip, US troops were evacuating northern Syria as their erstwhile Kurdish allies struck a deal with Assad's Russian-backed army aimed at halting a Turkish offensive. Russia has also strengthened ties with both Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Iran, which are locked in a decades-old contest for influence that veered towards open conflict after a recent spate of attacks on oil assets in the Gulf that Riyadh and Washington blame on Tehran. Iran denies the charges. Tensions with Iran, which is locked in several proxy wars with Saudi Arabia including in Syria, have risen to new highs after Washington last year quit a 2015 international nuclear accord with Tehran and re-imposed sanctions. Putin, accompanied on the trip by his energy minister and head of Russia's wealth fund, is due to hold talks with King Salman and de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with whom Putin says he has friendly relations. The strengthened ties have seen non-OPEC Russia, once regarded as a rival in oil markets, join OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia in forming an alliance known as OPEC+ to support crude prices by restraining output. Ahead of the visit, Putin, who offered to provide Russian defense systems to the kingdom after September 14 attacks on its oil facilities, said he could also play a positive role in easing tensions with Tehran as he had good ties with both sides. Any progress on long-mulled Saudi plans to purchase the Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile systems would cause disquiet in Washington, which announced over the weekend it was sending around 3,000 troops and additional air defence systems to Saudi Arabia following last month's attack. Asked about concerns Riyadh was cozying up to Moscow, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said he saw no contradiction. "We don’t believe that having close ties with Russia has any negative impact on our relationship with the United States," he told reporters on Sunday. "We believe that we can have strategic and strong ties with the United States while we develop our ties with Russia." Russian and Saudi flags lined the streets of Riyadh ahead of Putin's one-day visit, which includes a performance by Russia's Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra. Putin then travels to the United Arab Emirates. In meetings with Saudi leaders, the Russian president will discuss the OPEC+ pact, which has seen production cut by 1.2 million barrels per day since January. A forum will convene 300 Saudi and Russian CEOs. The two sides are expected to sign more than $2 billion of deals, including a joint investment by state oil giant Saudi Aramco and Russia’s RDIF sovereign wealth fund. RDIF head Kirill Dmitriev said a number of Russian investors were interested in a planned initial public offering of Aramco, which could sell between 1 per cent and 2 per cent through a local listing as early as November ahead of a potential international offering. Energy Minister Alexander Novak said Russia's Gazprom is interested in cooperating with Saudi firms on natural gas. Moscow, the world’s largest wheat exporter, made some progress in accessing the Saudi and Middle Eastern markets when the kingdom agreed in August to relax specifications for wheat imports, opening the door to Black Sea imports.

Saudi Arabia visit showcases Russian President Vladimir Putin's growing Middle East influence

Spain's Supreme Court on Monday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-arrests-nine-catalan-separatists-suspected-of-plotting-violence-251549">sentenced nine Catalan leaders to prison</a> terms of between nine and 13 years for sedition for their role in a failed 2017 independence bid.&nbsp;

The long-awaited verdicts were less than those demanded by the prosecution which had sought up to 25 years behind bars for former Catalan Vice President Oriol Junqueras on grounds of rebellion.&nbsp;

Spain has been bracing for weeks for the court's ruling, with tension mounting steadily and police sending reinforcements to Catalonia where separatists have pledged a mass response of civil disobedience.

Former Catalan regional Carles Puigdemont called the sentences an "outrage."

"100 years in all. An outrage. Now more than ever, by your side and those of your families. It is time to react as never before," tweeted Puigdemont, who fled to Belgium to avoid prosecution.

The 12 defendants, most of them members of the former Catalan government, were put on trial in February for their role in the banned October 1, 2017 &nbsp;referendum and the short-lived independence declaration that followed it.&nbsp;

"The Supreme Court condemns Oriel Junqueras to 13 years of prison... on grounds of sedition and the misuse of public funds," the ruling said, handing 12 years to three other former regional ministers.&nbsp;

Former parliamentary speaker Carme Forcadell was handed 11 years and six months in jail, while two influential Catalan civic leaders, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, were sentenced to nine years prison.

Only three of the 12 leaders, who faced lesser charges, escaped jail time and were handed a fine.&nbsp;

Junqueras served as the main defendant after his boss, Puigdemont, fled to Belgium.&nbsp;

The government is hoping the long-awaited ruling will allow it to turn the page on the crisis in the wealthy northeastern region where support for independence has been gaining momentum over the past decade.&nbsp;

But the separatist movement is hoping for just the opposite: that the anticipated guilty verdicts will unite their divided ranks and bring supporters onto the streets.

Activists gear up to protest

Activists from the region's two biggest grassroots pro-independence groups, the Catalan National Assembly (ANC) and Omnium Cultural, have urged followers to rally on the evening of the verdict.

In the coming days, demonstrators will march from five towns towards Barcelona where they will congregate on Friday, when a general strike has been called.

Activists from the radical CDR (Committees for the Defence of the Republic), have also promised "surprises". On Sunday they briefly occupied the main train station in Barcelona before cutting traffic on a main avenue of the city.

Anti-riot police have been discreetly deployed to Catalonia but the interior ministry has refused to give numbers.&nbsp;

For many, the situation has brought back memories of tensions in the street in the run-up to the October 1, 2017 referendum which was marred by police violence, and ahead of the short-lived independence declaration of October 27.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has made it clear that his government will not tolerate any violence, warning he will not hesitate to renew a suspension of Catalan autonomy, as happened two years ago.&nbsp;

The situation is worrying the main Catalan business lobby which said although the verdict would have a "significant emotional impact", it was important the response avoided disrupting "business activity or social cohesion".

Sedition not rebellion

By definition, the most serious charge of rebellion is "rising up in a violent and public manner" to, among other things, "declare independence for part of the (Spanish) territory".

Sedition, however, is "rising up publicly and in turbulent fashion" to "prevent by force or in an illegal way" the law from being applied, or the application of an administrative or legal decision.&nbsp;

The trial comes just weeks before Spain heads to the polls for its fourth election in as many years, putting the Catalan question once more at the centre of the political debate.&nbsp;

Although Sanchez's government is hoping the trial's end might give fresh impetus to dialogue, Junqueras' leftwing ERC party has said it would not be possible without an "amnesty" for "political prisoners and those in exile".

Spain's Supreme Court on Monday sentenced nine Catalan leaders to prison terms of between nine and 13 years for sedition for their role in a failed 2017 independence bid.

Spain's Supreme Court on Monday sentenced nine Catalan leaders to prison terms of between nine and 13 years for sedition for their role in a failed 2017 independence bid. The long-awaited verdicts were less than those demanded by the prosecution which had sought up to 25 years behind bars for former Catalan Vice President Oriol Junqueras on grounds of rebellion. Spain has been bracing for weeks for the court's ruling, with tension mounting steadily and police sending reinforcements to Catalonia where separatists have pledged a mass response of civil disobedience. Former Catalan regional Carles Puigdemont called the sentences an "outrage." "100 years in all. An outrage. Now more than ever, by your side and those of your families. It is time to react as never before," tweeted Puigdemont, who fled to Belgium to avoid prosecution. The 12 defendants, most of them members of the former Catalan government, were put on trial in February for their role in the banned October 1, 2017 referendum and the short-lived independence declaration that followed it. "The Supreme Court condemns Oriel Junqueras to 13 years of prison... on grounds of sedition and the misuse of public funds," the ruling said, handing 12 years to three other former regional ministers. Former parliamentary speaker Carme Forcadell was handed 11 years and six months in jail, while two influential Catalan civic leaders, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, were sentenced to nine years prison. Only three of the 12 leaders, who faced lesser charges, escaped jail time and were handed a fine. Junqueras served as the main defendant after his boss, Puigdemont, fled to Belgium. The government is hoping the long-awaited ruling will allow it to turn the page on the crisis in the wealthy northeastern region where support for independence has been gaining momentum over the past decade. But the separatist movement is hoping for just the opposite: that the anticipated guilty verdicts will unite their divided ranks and bring supporters onto the streets. Activists gear up to protest Activists from the region's two biggest grassroots pro-independence groups, the Catalan National Assembly (ANC) and Omnium Cultural, have urged followers to rally on the evening of the verdict. In the coming days, demonstrators will march from five towns towards Barcelona where they will congregate on Friday, when a general strike has been called. Activists from the radical CDR (Committees for the Defence of the Republic), have also promised "surprises". On Sunday they briefly occupied the main train station in Barcelona before cutting traffic on a main avenue of the city. Anti-riot police have been discreetly deployed to Catalonia but the interior ministry has refused to give numbers. For many, the situation has brought back memories of tensions in the street in the run-up to the October 1, 2017 referendum which was marred by police violence, and ahead of the short-lived independence declaration of October 27. In recent weeks, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has made it clear that his government will not tolerate any violence, warning he will not hesitate to renew a suspension of Catalan autonomy, as happened two years ago. The situation is worrying the main Catalan business lobby which said although the verdict would have a "significant emotional impact", it was important the response avoided disrupting "business activity or social cohesion". Sedition not rebellion By definition, the most serious charge of rebellion is "rising up in a violent and public manner" to, among other things, "declare independence for part of the (Spanish) territory". Sedition, however, is "rising up publicly and in turbulent fashion" to "prevent by force or in an illegal way" the law from being applied, or the application of an administrative or legal decision. The trial comes just weeks before Spain heads to the polls for its fourth election in as many years, putting the Catalan question once more at the centre of the political debate. Although Sanchez's government is hoping the trial's end might give fresh impetus to dialogue, Junqueras' leftwing ERC party has said it would not be possible without an "amnesty" for "political prisoners and those in exile".

Spain jails nine Catalan leaders up to 13 years for sedition

National Security Advisor (NSA)&nbsp;Ajit Doval on Monday said that supporting terrorism is the state policy of Pakistan.&nbsp;

He was speaking at the national conference of the Chiefs of ATS and STFs of the States here on Monday.

"If a criminal has the support of a state, it becomes a great challenge. Some of the states have mastered this, in our case Pakistan has made it as an instrument of its state policy," said Ajit Doval.

''Here in India, it is the state-sponsored terrorism. They not only recruit, provide training, weapons, intelligence etc but they also give them the higher degree of deniability, and resources and technology due to which intelligence agencies are not able to figure them out, degrade them or find their tentacles," said Doval.

"If a criminal gets the support of State then it becomes difficult to catch him suppose if police somewhere start supporting an underworld man," Ajit Doval said.&nbsp;

''The accessibility of high-end technology to terrorists makes the collection of evidence very complex,'' Ajit Doval added.

"Further, the approach of the judiciary is to treat the terrorism cases at par with the ordinary crime, they apply the same benchmark," said Doval.

He said that the proceedings of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has created pressure on Pakistan as no other action could have done.

"One of the biggest pressures that have come on Pakistan today is because of the proceedings of FATF, it has created so much pressure on them that probably no other action could have done," he said.

Ajit Doval also said that the impact that NIA has been able to make against terrorism in Kashmir is more than any other agency.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Monday said that supporting terrorism is the state policy of Pakistan. He was speaking at the national conference of the Chiefs of ATS and STFs of the States here on Monday.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Monday said that supporting terrorism is the state policy of Pakistan. He was speaking at the national conference of the Chiefs of ATS and STFs of the States here on Monday. "If a criminal has the support of a state, it becomes a great challenge. Some of the states have mastered this, in our case Pakistan has made it as an instrument of its state policy," said Ajit Doval. ''Here in India, it is the state-sponsored terrorism. They not only recruit, provide training, weapons, intelligence etc but they also give them the higher degree of deniability, and resources and technology due to which intelligence agencies are not able to figure them out, degrade them or find their tentacles," said Doval. "If a criminal gets the support of State then it becomes difficult to catch him suppose if police somewhere start supporting an underworld man," Ajit Doval said. ''The accessibility of high-end technology to terrorists makes the collection of evidence very complex,'' Ajit Doval added. "Further, the approach of the judiciary is to treat the terrorism cases at par with the ordinary crime, they apply the same benchmark," said Doval. He said that the proceedings of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has created pressure on Pakistan as no other action could have done. "One of the biggest pressures that have come on Pakistan today is because of the proceedings of FATF, it has created so much pressure on them that probably no other action could have done," he said. Ajit Doval also said that the impact that NIA has been able to make against terrorism in Kashmir is more than any other agency.

To support terrorism is Pakistan's state policy, FATF has created pressure on it: Ajit Doval

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that the government is committed to provide energy security to India.

"....Here is the government which is committed for energy security for India. Energy security, which is not blindly using non-environment friendly sources," Sitharaman said addressing India Energy Forum CERAWeek Summit here.

The third India Energy Forum by CERAWeek has been organised in association with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas from October 13 to 15.

The Summit, gives a platform to examine the fundamental challenges and opportunities to provide sustainable, secure and affordable energy choices to the people of India.

Stating that India's energy sector and energy commitment pose a lot of challenges, the Finance Minister gave a reference of thermal units which are still dependent on coal and said that the concerned Ministry is "moving away from coal base to open renewable sources of energy".

"We have a leadership politically committed to make sure that every Indian gets the basic energy requirements as shown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," she said.

The Union Minister asserted that the government has achieved the target of providing electricity connection to 12 crores families and Liquefied petroleum (LPG) gas cylinders to 8 crores households, which was just a dream for 70 years.

Highlighting the government's efforts to facilitate a friendly environment to investors, she said: "The atmosphere to invest is going to be friendlier in terms of reducing the regulatory mechanisms and their calibrations."

"The BJP government at the Centre announced 'cooperative tax cut' with an intention to make India an attractive destination, Sitharaman said adding that now investors can move towards a newer regime which better and attractive.

On September 20, the Finance Minister made a deep cut in corporate tax rates, from 30 per cent to 22 per cent. She further said that amendments are being made to Company Act so it does not look punitive and driving towards punishment but more towards compliance.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that the government is committed to provide energy security to India. "....Here is the government which is committed for energy security for India.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that the government is committed to provide energy security to India. "....Here is the government which is committed for energy security for India. Energy security, which is not blindly using non-environment friendly sources," Sitharaman said addressing India Energy Forum CERAWeek Summit here. The third India Energy Forum by CERAWeek has been organised in association with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas from October 13 to 15. The Summit, gives a platform to examine the fundamental challenges and opportunities to provide sustainable, secure and affordable energy choices to the people of India. Stating that India's energy sector and energy commitment pose a lot of challenges, the Finance Minister gave a reference of thermal units which are still dependent on coal and said that the concerned Ministry is "moving away from coal base to open renewable sources of energy". "We have a leadership politically committed to make sure that every Indian gets the basic energy requirements as shown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," she said. The Union Minister asserted that the government has achieved the target of providing electricity connection to 12 crores families and Liquefied petroleum (LPG) gas cylinders to 8 crores households, which was just a dream for 70 years. Highlighting the government's efforts to facilitate a friendly environment to investors, she said: "The atmosphere to invest is going to be friendlier in terms of reducing the regulatory mechanisms and their calibrations." "The BJP government at the Centre announced 'cooperative tax cut' with an intention to make India an attractive destination, Sitharaman said adding that now investors can move towards a newer regime which better and attractive. On September 20, the Finance Minister made a deep cut in corporate tax rates, from 30 per cent to 22 per cent. She further said that amendments are being made to Company Act so it does not look punitive and driving towards punishment but more towards compliance.

Government committed to provide eco-friendly energy security to India: Nirmala Sitharaman

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