External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-to-meet-russian-counterpart-sergey-lavrov-in-moscow-on-august-27-244865">two-day visit to Moscow</a> beginning August 27 where he will meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and prepare the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum scheduled to be held next month.

This will be Jaishankar's first visit to the Russian capital after assuming office in May.

"External Affairs Minister and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will take stock of preparations for the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister to Vladivostok to participate in the 5th Annual Eastern Economic Forum as the Chief Guest and the 20th Annual Bilateral Summit between the two countries," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The two foreign ministers will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The External Affairs Minister will meet Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov. Both of them will co-chair the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission - Technical and Economic Cooperation, according to the statement.

"During his visit, External Affairs Minister will also participate in Valdai Discussion Club interaction on the theme of India`s perspective of the Indo-Pacific," the statement said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a two-day visit to Moscow beginning August 27 where he will meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and prepare the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum scheduled to be held next month.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a two-day visit to Moscow beginning August 27 where he will meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and prepare the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum scheduled to be held next month. This will be Jaishankar's first visit to the Russian capital after assuming office in May. "External Affairs Minister and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will take stock of preparations for the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister to Vladivostok to participate in the 5th Annual Eastern Economic Forum as the Chief Guest and the 20th Annual Bilateral Summit between the two countries," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The two foreign ministers will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest. The External Affairs Minister will meet Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov. Both of them will co-chair the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission - Technical and Economic Cooperation, according to the statement. "During his visit, External Affairs Minister will also participate in Valdai Discussion Club interaction on the theme of India`s perspective of the Indo-Pacific," the statement said.

Foreign minister Jaishankar to pay two-day visit to Russia next week

French riot police used water cannons and tear gas on Saturday to disperse <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-march-near-biarritz-demanding-action-from-g7-leaders-245340">anti-capitalism protesters in Bayonne</a>, near the resort of Biarritz where President Emmanuel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-would-tax-french-wine-in-response-to-digital-tax-245250">Macron and G7 nation allies</a> were meeting for a three-day summit.

A police helicopter circled as dozens of protesters, some hurling stones, shouted slogans and abuse at the lines of police in the Basque town's historic centre.

The protesters shouted, "Everybody hates the police" and "anti, anti-anti-capitalists" as the mood took a darker turn from peaceful protests earlier in the day in an authorised march on the French-Spanish border.

Roiled by months of anti-government protests this year, France has deployed more than 13,000 police to ensure protesters get nowhere near US President Donald Trump and other leaders. Authorities designated two counter-summit "villages" and the morning protest about 30 kilometres from the summit.

Thousands of anti-globalisation activists, Basque separatists and "yellow vest" protesters walked from the French town of Hendaye to Irun in Spain, waving banners calling for climate action, gay rights and a fairer economic model.

"The top capitalist leaders are here and we have to show them that the fight continues," said Alain Missana, 48, an electrician wearing a yellow vest - symbol of the anti-government demonstrations that have been held in France for months.

"It's more money for the rich and nothing for the poor. We see the Amazonian forests burning and the Arctic melting. The leaders will hear us," he said.

Four police officers were lightly wounded on Friday after protesters fired a homemade mortar near the anti-G7 gathering in Hendaye. Police arrested 17 people for hiding their faces.

Activists in the counter-summit villages have this week united from France, the Basque region straddling the French-Spanish border and beyond to confront a rich-poor divide they say is growing due to the cynicism of world leaders.

"The counter-G7 demonstration is in this Basque region and we want people to see we are part of it," said Alfredo Akuna, a 46-year-old engineer from San Sebastián in northern Spain who wore traditional Basque clothing.

"We're involved in many movements including anti-capitalism and anti-fascism so it's important to be here to show that."

French riot police used water cannons and tear gas on Saturday to disperse anti-capitalism protesters in Bayonne, near the resort of Biarritz where President Emmanuel Macron and G7 nation allies were meeting for a three-day summit.

French riot police used water cannons and tear gas on Saturday to disperse anti-capitalism protesters in Bayonne, near the resort of Biarritz where President Emmanuel Macron and G7 nation allies were meeting for a three-day summit. A police helicopter circled as dozens of protesters, some hurling stones, shouted slogans and abuse at the lines of police in the Basque town's historic centre. The protesters shouted, "Everybody hates the police" and "anti, anti-anti-capitalists" as the mood took a darker turn from peaceful protests earlier in the day in an authorised march on the French-Spanish border. Roiled by months of anti-government protests this year, France has deployed more than 13,000 police to ensure protesters get nowhere near US President Donald Trump and other leaders. Authorities designated two counter-summit "villages" and the morning protest about 30 kilometres from the summit. Thousands of anti-globalisation activists, Basque separatists and "yellow vest" protesters walked from the French town of Hendaye to Irun in Spain, waving banners calling for climate action, gay rights and a fairer economic model. "The top capitalist leaders are here and we have to show them that the fight continues," said Alain Missana, 48, an electrician wearing a yellow vest - symbol of the anti-government demonstrations that have been held in France for months. "It's more money for the rich and nothing for the poor. We see the Amazonian forests burning and the Arctic melting. The leaders will hear us," he said. Four police officers were lightly wounded on Friday after protesters fired a homemade mortar near the anti-G7 gathering in Hendaye. Police arrested 17 people for hiding their faces. Activists in the counter-summit villages have this week united from France, the Basque region straddling the French-Spanish border and beyond to confront a rich-poor divide they say is growing due to the cynicism of world leaders. "The counter-G7 demonstration is in this Basque region and we want people to see we are part of it," said Alfredo Akuna, a 46-year-old engineer from San Sebastián in northern Spain who wore traditional Basque clothing. "We're involved in many movements including anti-capitalism and anti-fascism so it's important to be here to show that."

French police fire tear gas, water cannons at anti-G7 protesters

Lieutenant General Anil Puri has become the first serving Lieutenant General-rank officer of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-indian-army-hits-pakistan-post-opposite-the-rajouri-sector-243659"> Indian Army</a> to complete France's oldest cycling event, 1,200-km Paris-Brest-Paris circuit.

The 56-year-old officer completed the circuit on August 23 by cycling non-stop for 90 hours.

Over 31,125 riders have managed to complete Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur ever since the event started in 1931.

This year, the picturesque town of Rambouillet hosted the departure and arrival of the event.&nbsp;

Lieutenant General Anil Puri has become the first serving Lieutenant General-rank officer of the Indian Army to complete France's oldest cycling event, 1,200-km Paris-Brest-Paris circuit.

Lieutenant General Anil Puri has become the first serving Lieutenant General-rank officer of the Indian Army to complete France's oldest cycling event, 1,200-km Paris-Brest-Paris circuit. The 56-year-old officer completed the circuit on August 23 by cycling non-stop for 90 hours. Over 31,125 riders have managed to complete Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur ever since the event started in 1931. This year, the picturesque town of Rambouillet hosted the departure and arrival of the event.

Indian Army officer Anil Puri completes 1200 km long Paris-Brest-Paris circuit

The Greater Chennai Corporation on Sunday initiated the awareness campaign through a Marathon for 'zero waste and no use of plastic'.

The Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation, G Prakash and Gogula Indra, Ex MLA, started the campaign at Anna Nagar tower park.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-chief-minister-to-chair-all-party-meet-on-economically-weaker-section-quota-on-monday-233753">Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami </a>has initiated this movement in the Assembly. The government is not stringently implementing this move but in a polite manner. Government is making the efforts to save nature," Indra said.

"This movement is to protect nature. Particularly, the Greater Chennai Corporation is implementing this on the instruction of higher authorities," she added. 
&nbsp;

The Greater Chennai Corporation on Sunday initiated the awareness campaign through a Marathon for 'zero waste and no use of plastic'. The Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation, G Prakash and Gogula Indra, Ex MLA, started the campaign at Anna Nagar tower park.

The Greater Chennai Corporation on Sunday initiated the awareness campaign through a Marathon for 'zero waste and no use of plastic'. The Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation, G Prakash and Gogula Indra, Ex MLA, started the campaign at Anna Nagar tower park. "Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has initiated this movement in the Assembly. The government is not stringently implementing this move but in a polite manner. Government is making the efforts to save nature," Indra said. "This movement is to protect nature. Particularly, the Greater Chennai Corporation is implementing this on the instruction of higher authorities," she added.

Greater Chennai Corporation initiates environmental awareness campaign

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday will conduct a review meeting on flood relief measures being taken in the state.

The concerned officers will brief the chief minister regarding the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-to-canalise-its-rivers-with-technical-support-from-world-bank-adb-244810">steps being taken for flood relief</a> in the meeting scheduled at 2 pm today.

Minister for Water Resources, Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria will attend the meeting along with Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Suresh Kumar, Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh, among other officers.

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday will conduct a review meeting on flood relief measures being taken in the state. The concerned officers will brief the chief minister regarding the steps being taken for flood relief in the meeting scheduled at 2 pm today.

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday will conduct a review meeting on flood relief measures being taken in the state. The concerned officers will brief the chief minister regarding the steps being taken for flood relief in the meeting scheduled at 2 pm today. Minister for Water Resources, Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria will attend the meeting along with Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Suresh Kumar, Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh, among other officers.

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh to hold review meeting on flood relief measures today

Himachal Pradesh government has announced two-day state mourning over the demise of former union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley.

Earlier today, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-finance-minister-arun-jaitleys-mortal-remains-moved-to-bjp-headquarters-several-leaders-arrive-to-pay-respects-245427">Jaitley's mortal remains</a> were brought to the BJP's headquarters on Sunday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National Working President JP Nadda, Harsh Vardhan, Piyush Goyal and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and many other leaders arrive at the headquarters to pay their respects to the former union minister.

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Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays tributes to former Union Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArunJaitley?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArunJaitley</a>, at party headquarters. <a href="https://t.co/0td6768qvE">pic.twitter.com/0td6768qvE</a>
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BJP veteran leader's mortal remains would be kept at the BJP headquarters for people to pay homage and will be cremated at Nigambodh Ghat later in the day.&nbsp;

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) released an official statement on Saturday to confirm the sad demise of the former union minister.

Himachal Pradesh government has announced two-day state mourning over the demise of former union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley. Earlier today, Jaitley's mortal remains were brought to the BJP's headquarters on Sunday.

Himachal Pradesh government has announced two-day state mourning over the demise of former union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley. Earlier today, Jaitley's mortal remains were brought to the BJP's headquarters on Sunday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National Working President JP Nadda, Harsh Vardhan, Piyush Goyal and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and many other leaders arrive at the headquarters to pay their respects to the former union minister. Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays tributes to former Union Minister #ArunJaitley, at party headquarters. pic.twitter.com/0td6768qvE — ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2019 × BJP veteran leader's mortal remains would be kept at the BJP headquarters for people to pay homage and will be cremated at Nigambodh Ghat later in the day. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) released an official statement on Saturday to confirm the sad demise of the former union minister.

Himachal Pradesh government announces two-day state mourning for Arun Jaitley

'Game of Thrones' fame Kit Harington has joined the cast of Marvel's upcoming film 'The Eternals'.&nbsp;

The news was announced at Disney's fan expo D23 on Saturday, reported Entertainment Weekly.

Although Harington wasn't in attendance, Harington's Stark stepbrother in 'GoT', actor Richard Madden was a part of the cast announced at San Diego Comic-Con, along with Angelina Jolie.

Harington, best known for his role of Jon Snow in 'GoT', will play a non-eternal character named Dane Whitman, aka the Black Knight, in the upcoming superhero film 'The Eternals'.&nbsp;

Madden had previously been announced to play Ikaris in the movie.

Dunkirk fame Barry Keoghan was also added to the cast as an Eternal named Druid.

The casting news came a day after Deadline reported that Harington was headed to the Marvel Cinematic Universe where he will make his next film.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige also confirmed that Gemma Chan will play Sersi in the film.

The upcoming superhero film also stars previously announced cast members Angelina Jolie as Thena, Salma Hayek as Ajak, Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo, Lauren Ridloff as Makkari, Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos, and Lia McHugh as Sprite.

All the cast members, excluding Harington, appeared at 'The Eternals' presentation at D23.

The film centres on a race of never-aging, never-fading figures.

The Eternals were created by the powerful godlike creatures known as the Celestials, and since their birth thousands of years ago, they've kept watch over the Earth throughout human history.

The superhero flick is being directed by Chloe Zhao, which is set for release on November 6, 2020.

Meanwhile, in May, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kit-harington-returns-home-after-treatment-at-wellness-facility-228900">Harington took a brief break from the spotlight</a>, checking into a wellness retreat to deal with personal issues ahead of the 'GoT' finale.

&nbsp;He is currently nominated for an Emmy for his work as Jon Snow in the show's final season.

Madden and Harington's 'Game of Thrones' sister Sophie Turner is also part of the MCU.&nbsp;

She plays the role of Jean Grey in the X-Men films and reprised her role in 'Dark Phoenix' in June.

'Game of Thrones' fame Kit Harington has joined the cast of Marvel's upcoming film 'The Eternals'. The news was announced at Disney's fan expo D23 on Saturday, reported Entertainment Weekly.

'Game of Thrones' fame Kit Harington has joined the cast of Marvel's upcoming film 'The Eternals'. The news was announced at Disney's fan expo D23 on Saturday, reported Entertainment Weekly. Although Harington wasn't in attendance, Harington's Stark stepbrother in 'GoT', actor Richard Madden was a part of the cast announced at San Diego Comic-Con, along with Angelina Jolie. Harington, best known for his role of Jon Snow in 'GoT', will play a non-eternal character named Dane Whitman, aka the Black Knight, in the upcoming superhero film 'The Eternals'. Madden had previously been announced to play Ikaris in the movie. Dunkirk fame Barry Keoghan was also added to the cast as an Eternal named Druid. The casting news came a day after Deadline reported that Harington was headed to the Marvel Cinematic Universe where he will make his next film. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige also confirmed that Gemma Chan will play Sersi in the film. The upcoming superhero film also stars previously announced cast members Angelina Jolie as Thena, Salma Hayek as Ajak, Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo, Lauren Ridloff as Makkari, Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos, and Lia McHugh as Sprite. All the cast members, excluding Harington, appeared at 'The Eternals' presentation at D23. The film centres on a race of never-aging, never-fading figures. The Eternals were created by the powerful godlike creatures known as the Celestials, and since their birth thousands of years ago, they've kept watch over the Earth throughout human history. The superhero flick is being directed by Chloe Zhao, which is set for release on November 6, 2020. Meanwhile, in May, Harington took a brief break from the spotlight, checking into a wellness retreat to deal with personal issues ahead of the 'GoT' finale. He is currently nominated for an Emmy for his work as Jon Snow in the show's final season. Madden and Harington's 'Game of Thrones' sister Sophie Turner is also part of the MCU. She plays the role of Jean Grey in the X-Men films and reprised her role in 'Dark Phoenix' in June.

Game of Thrones star Kit Harington joins Marvel's 'The Eternals'

Five Naxals have been killed following an exchange of fire&nbsp;with security forces&nbsp;in Chhattisgarh's Abujmarh area of Naranyanpur&nbsp;in the early hours of Friday, reported news agency ANI.

Two Army personnel&nbsp;also got injured during firing.

The&nbsp;operation is continuing.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Five Maoists have been killed in encounter with security forces in Narayanpur,Chhattisgarh <a href="https://t.co/a7hbBZ4Ei7">https://t.co/a7hbBZ4Ei7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1165131345196044289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The security forces cordoned off the area around the incident.

Five Naxals have been killed following an exchange of fire with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Abujmarh area of Naranyanpur in the early hours of Friday, reported news agency ANI.

Five Naxals have been killed following an exchange of fire with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Abujmarh area of Naranyanpur in the early hours of Friday, reported news agency ANI. Two Army personnel also got injured during firing. The operation is continuing. #UPDATE Five Maoists have been killed in encounter with security forces in Narayanpur,Chhattisgarh https://t.co/a7hbBZ4Ei7 — ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2019 × The security forces cordoned off the area around the incident.

Chhattisgarh: Five Naxals killed in ongoing encounter in Narayanpur

Two weeks after being hospitalised, former finance minister <a href="https://wionews.com/india-news/former-finance-minister-arun-jaitley-admitted-to-aiims-241865">Arun Jaitley's health</a> has been deteriorating, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) sources said on Friday.

The 66-year-old was admitted to the hospital on August 9 after he complained of weakness and palpitation.

In a late-night statement on August 9, AIIMS had said Jaitley is undergoing treatment under the supervision of a multi-disciplinary team of doctors.&nbsp;

Since then, the hospital has not issued any bulletin on his health.&nbsp;

Leaders from several political parties have visited the former Union minister at AIIMS.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, BJP working president JP Nadda and several other BJP leaders earlier visited Jaitley in the hospital.&nbsp;

Arun Jaitley has been unwell for a large part of the last two years. Last year, he underwent a kidney transplant.

Jaitley had stepped down as finance minister over health troubles earlier this year.

Two weeks after being hospitalised, former finance minister Arun Jaitley's health has been deteriorating, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) sources said on Friday.

Two weeks after being hospitalised, former finance minister Arun Jaitley's health has been deteriorating, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) sources said on Friday. The 66-year-old was admitted to the hospital on August 9 after he complained of weakness and palpitation. In a late-night statement on August 9, AIIMS had said Jaitley is undergoing treatment under the supervision of a multi-disciplinary team of doctors. Since then, the hospital has not issued any bulletin on his health. Leaders from several political parties have visited the former Union minister at AIIMS. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, BJP working president JP Nadda and several other BJP leaders earlier visited Jaitley in the hospital. Arun Jaitley has been unwell for a large part of the last two years. Last year, he underwent a kidney transplant. Jaitley had stepped down as finance minister over health troubles earlier this year.

Former finance minister Arun Jaitley's health deteriorates, say AIIMS sources

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-eu-threatens-trade-retaliation-brazil-sends-army-to-fight-amazon-fires-245212">As European Union threatens trade retaliation, Brazil sends army to fight Amazon fires</a>

European leaders on Friday threatened to tear up a trade deal with South America, reflecting growing international anger at Brazil as a record number of fires in the Amazon rainforest intensified an unfolding environmental crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-launches-short-range-missiles-again-complicating-us-attempts-for-talks-245221">North Korea launches short-range missiles again, complicating US attempts for talks</a>

North Korea fired what appears to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast on Saturday, the South Korean military said, the latest in a series of launches in recent weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-heaps-another-5-tariff-on-chinese-goods-in-latest-tit-for-tat-escalation-245211">Trump heaps another 5% tariff on Chinese goods in latest tit-for-tat escalation</a>

US President Donald Trump on Friday lashed back at a new round of Chinese tariffs by heaping an additional 5 per cent duty on some $550 billion in targeted Chinese goods in the latest tit-for-tat trade war escalation by the world's two largest economies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-be-honoured-with-uaes-highest-civilian-award-245219">PM Modi to be honoured with UAE's highest civilian award for boosting ties</a>

Indian Prime will be conferred with United Arab Emirates's highest civilian award--the Zayed medal on Saturday. The award was announced in April this year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-finance-minister-arun-jaitleys-health-deteriorated-aiims-245239">Former finance minister Arun Jaitley's health deteriorates, says AIIMS sources</a>

Two weeks after being hospitalised, former finance minister Arun Jaitley's health has been deteriorating, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) sources said on Friday.

As European Union threatens trade retaliation, Brazil sends army to fight Amazon fires European leaders on Friday threatened to tear up a trade deal with South America, reflecting growing international anger at Brazil as a record number of fires in the Amazon rainforest intensified an unfolding environmental crisis.

As European Union threatens trade retaliation, Brazil sends army to fight Amazon fires European leaders on Friday threatened to tear up a trade deal with South America, reflecting growing international anger at Brazil as a record number of fires in the Amazon rainforest intensified an unfolding environmental crisis. North Korea launches short-range missiles again, complicating US attempts for talks North Korea fired what appears to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast on Saturday, the South Korean military said, the latest in a series of launches in recent weeks. Trump heaps another 5% tariff on Chinese goods in latest tit-for-tat escalation US President Donald Trump on Friday lashed back at a new round of Chinese tariffs by heaping an additional 5 per cent duty on some $550 billion in targeted Chinese goods in the latest tit-for-tat trade war escalation by the world's two largest economies. PM Modi to be honoured with UAE's highest civilian award for boosting ties Indian Prime will be conferred with United Arab Emirates's highest civilian award--the Zayed medal on Saturday. The award was announced in April this year. Former finance minister Arun Jaitley's health deteriorates, says AIIMS sources Two weeks after being hospitalised, former finance minister Arun Jaitley's health has been deteriorating, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) sources said on Friday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

State Bank of India (SBI) chairman, Rajnish Kumar on Friday said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/angle-tax-provisions-for-startups-and-investors-withdrawn-nirmala-sitharaman-245113">announcements made by Union Finance Minister</a> Nirmala Sitharaman will act as major enablers for continuing to support growth.

"The announcements will act as major enablers for continuing to support growth. Bank recapitalisation at one go will provide a big impetus to credit growth. Also, honest decision-making will not be questioned," said SBI chairman, Rajnish Kumar.

"The SBI has already started benchmarking its loans to the repo and now other banks are likely to follow suit. This augurs well for domestic demand. The surcharge removal on FPIs and domestic investors will soothe the markets," Kumar said.

In a bid to boost the economy, capital markets and consumption, Sitharaman today announced a slew of measures including the rollback of a controversial tax surcharge on foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) and equities of domestic investors announced in the Budget last month besides some reliefs for the beleaguered automobile sector.

Amid concerns over the economic slowdown, she also announced during a press conference that the withdrawal of 'angel' tax provision for startups and their investors.

The impact of rollback of enhanced tax surcharge will be about Rs 1,400 crore. The minister also promised a review of enhanced surcharge on high net worth individuals in 2022 when the country celebrates the 75th anniversary of Independence.

The government has decided to withdraw enhanced surcharge levied on long and short-term capital gains arising from the transfer of equity shares. "The pre-Budget position is restored. The enhanced surcharge levied by Finance Act 2019 on long and short term capital gains tax is being withdrawn," Sitharaman said.

State Bank of India (SBI) chairman, Rajnish Kumar on Friday said that the announcements made by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will act as major enablers for continuing to support growth.

State Bank of India (SBI) chairman, Rajnish Kumar on Friday said that the announcements made by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will act as major enablers for continuing to support growth. "The announcements will act as major enablers for continuing to support growth. Bank recapitalisation at one go will provide a big impetus to credit growth. Also, honest decision-making will not be questioned," said SBI chairman, Rajnish Kumar. "The SBI has already started benchmarking its loans to the repo and now other banks are likely to follow suit. This augurs well for domestic demand. The surcharge removal on FPIs and domestic investors will soothe the markets," Kumar said. In a bid to boost the economy, capital markets and consumption, Sitharaman today announced a slew of measures including the rollback of a controversial tax surcharge on foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) and equities of domestic investors announced in the Budget last month besides some reliefs for the beleaguered automobile sector. Amid concerns over the economic slowdown, she also announced during a press conference that the withdrawal of 'angel' tax provision for startups and their investors. The impact of rollback of enhanced tax surcharge will be about Rs 1,400 crore. The minister also promised a review of enhanced surcharge on high net worth individuals in 2022 when the country celebrates the 75th anniversary of Independence. The government has decided to withdraw enhanced surcharge levied on long and short-term capital gains arising from the transfer of equity shares. "The pre-Budget position is restored. The enhanced surcharge levied by Finance Act 2019 on long and short term capital gains tax is being withdrawn," Sitharaman said.

Announcements made by Nirmala Sitharaman to support economic growth: SBI chairman

Gujarat ranks as top state in 2017-18 in the Composite Water Management Index (CWMI 2.0) report released on Friday with 80 per cent of states assessed on the Index over the last three years showing improved water management scores, an official release said.

The report was released on Friday by Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar.

CWMI 2.0 ranks various states for the reference year 2017-18 as against the base year 2016-17.

"Gujarat (continues) to hold on to its rank one in the reference year (2017-18), followed by Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu," the release said.

It said that among northeastern and Himalayan states, Himachal Pradesh has been adjudged first in 2017-18 followed by Uttarakhand, Tripura and Assam.

The release said that Union Territories have first time submitted their data and Puducherry has been declared as the top ranker.

"In terms of incremental change in index (over 2016-17 level), Haryana holds number one position among general states and Uttarakhand amongst northeastern and Himalayan states," it said.

"On an average, 80 per cent of the states assessed on the Index over the last three years have improved their water management scores, with an average improvement of +5.2 points," the release said.

It said that scientific management of water is increasingly recognised as being vital to India's growth and ecosystem sustainability.

Niti Aayog first launched and conceptualised the Composite Water Management Index in 2018 as a tool to instil a sense of cooperative and competitive federalism among the states. It was a first-ever attempt at creating a pan-India set of metrics that measured different dimensions of water management and use across the lifecycle of water.

"The report was widely acknowledged and provided actionable guidance to states on where they were doing well absolutely and relatively and what they needed to focus on to secure their water future," the release said.

The CWMI, it said, was an important tool to assess and improve the performance of states and Union Territories in the efficient management of water resources.

Gujarat ranks as top state in 2017-18 in the Composite Water Management Index (CWMI 2.0) report released on Friday with 80 per cent of states assessed on the Index over the last three years showing improved water management scores, an official release said.

Gujarat ranks as top state in 2017-18 in the Composite Water Management Index (CWMI 2.0) report released on Friday with 80 per cent of states assessed on the Index over the last three years showing improved water management scores, an official release said. The report was released on Friday by Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar. CWMI 2.0 ranks various states for the reference year 2017-18 as against the base year 2016-17. "Gujarat (continues) to hold on to its rank one in the reference year (2017-18), followed by Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu," the release said. It said that among northeastern and Himalayan states, Himachal Pradesh has been adjudged first in 2017-18 followed by Uttarakhand, Tripura and Assam. The release said that Union Territories have first time submitted their data and Puducherry has been declared as the top ranker. "In terms of incremental change in index (over 2016-17 level), Haryana holds number one position among general states and Uttarakhand amongst northeastern and Himalayan states," it said. "On an average, 80 per cent of the states assessed on the Index over the last three years have improved their water management scores, with an average improvement of +5.2 points," the release said. It said that scientific management of water is increasingly recognised as being vital to India's growth and ecosystem sustainability. Niti Aayog first launched and conceptualised the Composite Water Management Index in 2018 as a tool to instil a sense of cooperative and competitive federalism among the states. It was a first-ever attempt at creating a pan-India set of metrics that measured different dimensions of water management and use across the lifecycle of water. "The report was widely acknowledged and provided actionable guidance to states on where they were doing well absolutely and relatively and what they needed to focus on to secure their water future," the release said. The CWMI, it said, was an important tool to assess and improve the performance of states and Union Territories in the efficient management of water resources.

Gujarat ranked first in composite water management index

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Zee News Rajasthan

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