Mumbai Crime Branch arrested Tariq Parveen, a close aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim from Dongri area on Sunday.

"Tariq Parveen, a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim, arrested from Dongri today, in connection with an extortion case," said S Rastogi, Joint Commissioner of Police, Mumbai.

Rastogi further added that Parveen was arrested as per the inputs received from another accused in an extortion case.

"Ejaz Yusuf Lakdawala (arrested earlier in an extortion case) had revealed that Parveen used to help him in extortion," Rastogi said.

The arrest was made by the Anti Extortion cell of the Mumbai Police, based on a complaint lodged at the MRA Marg police station.

Apart from Tariq, the names of Dawood Ibrahim and his associates Ejaz Lakdawala, Salim Furniturewala have also been included in this FIR. Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

Mumbai Crime Branch arrested Tariq Parveen, a close aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim from Dongri area on Sunday. "Tariq Parveen, a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim, arrested from Dongri today, in connection with an extortion case," said S Rastogi, Joint Commissioner of Police, Mumbai.

Mumbai Crime Branch arrested Tariq Parveen, a close aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim from Dongri area on Sunday. "Tariq Parveen, a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim, arrested from Dongri today, in connection with an extortion case," said S Rastogi, Joint Commissioner of Police, Mumbai. Rastogi further added that Parveen was arrested as per the inputs received from another accused in an extortion case. "Ejaz Yusuf Lakdawala (arrested earlier in an extortion case) had revealed that Parveen used to help him in extortion," Rastogi said. The arrest was made by the Anti Extortion cell of the Mumbai Police, based on a complaint lodged at the MRA Marg police station. Apart from Tariq, the names of Dawood Ibrahim and his associates Ejaz Lakdawala, Salim Furniturewala have also been included in this FIR. Further details are awaited.

Dawood's close aide, Tariq Parveen arrested in Mumbai

A New York City police officer was shot and wounded in a police station on Sunday morning about 12 hours after another officer was wounded while he sat in his patrol van in the same neighbourhood in what authorities described as an assassination attempt.

A gunman entered the 41st Precinct headquarters in the Bronx borough about 8 a.m. (1300 GMT) and opened fire, wounding one officer before he was taken into custody, a police spokesman said.

The officer was taken to a hospital. New York media reported that the officer was a lieutenant who was shot in the arm.

The attack followed a shooting on Saturday night of a uniformed police officer who was sitting in his police van with his partner.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-mass-shooter-killed-at-shopping-mall-say-security-sources-279539">Thai mass shooter killed at shopping mall, say security sources</a>

The gunman walked up to the vehicle and began a conversation with the two officers in the vehicle before suddenly opening fire, striking one policeman in the chin and neck, police officials said in a news conference on Saturday night.

"This was an attempt to assassinate police officers," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said. "There is too much hatred being directed at our officers and it has to end."

The officers did not return fire. The wounded officer's partner got in the driver's seat and drove him to the hospital. He is expected to survive, police said.

A police spokesman said authorities are investigating whether the same shooter carried out both attacks. Authorities have not released the names of any of the officers involved.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Twitter that those responsible for the attacks would be brought to justice.

"NY's law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. These attacks are heinous," he said.

A New York City police officer was shot and wounded in a police station on Sunday morning about 12 hours after another officer was wounded while he sat in his patrol van in the same neighbourhood in what authorities described as an assassination attempt.

A New York City police officer was shot and wounded in a police station on Sunday morning about 12 hours after another officer was wounded while he sat in his patrol van in the same neighbourhood in what authorities described as an assassination attempt. A gunman entered the 41st Precinct headquarters in the Bronx borough about 8 a.m. (1300 GMT) and opened fire, wounding one officer before he was taken into custody, a police spokesman said. The officer was taken to a hospital. New York media reported that the officer was a lieutenant who was shot in the arm. The attack followed a shooting on Saturday night of a uniformed police officer who was sitting in his police van with his partner. Also read: Thai mass shooter killed at shopping mall, say security sources The gunman walked up to the vehicle and began a conversation with the two officers in the vehicle before suddenly opening fire, striking one policeman in the chin and neck, police officials said in a news conference on Saturday night. "This was an attempt to assassinate police officers," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said. "There is too much hatred being directed at our officers and it has to end." The officers did not return fire. The wounded officer's partner got in the driver's seat and drove him to the hospital. He is expected to survive, police said. A police spokesman said authorities are investigating whether the same shooter carried out both attacks. Authorities have not released the names of any of the officers involved. Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Twitter that those responsible for the attacks would be brought to justice. "NY's law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. These attacks are heinous," he said.

Two New York City police officers shot and wounded in separate attacks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed solidarity with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the people of China over the deadly coronavirus outbreak, news agency ANI reported quoting sources.&nbsp;

According to sources, PM Modi wrote a letter to Jinping and offered assistance to face the challenge of the deadly outbreak.

He also offered condolences on the unfortunate loss of lives.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-global-death-toll-overtakes-sars-epidemic-fatalities-279534">Coronavirus global death toll overtakes Sars epidemic fatalities</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sources: Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed appreciation for the facilitation provided by the Government of China for the evacuation of Indian citizens from the Hubei province of China. <a href="https://t.co/shASlCtcqj">https://t.co/shASlCtcqj</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1226460354948976641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The prime minister conveyed appreciation for the facilitation provided by the Government of China for the evacuation of Indian citizens from the Hubei province of China.

The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak seems to show no signs of abating with the number of deaths crossing over 800 in China.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-foreigners-who-went-to-china-after-jan-15-not-allowed-to-enter-india-says-dgca-279529">Coronavirus - Foreigners who went to China after Jan 15 not allowed to enter India, says DGCA</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-team-to-leave-for-china-to-probe-over-coronavirus-outbreak-279566/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The number of fatalities has even surpassed that of the SARS outbreak in 2002-2003.

India, so far, seems to have contained the infection with three positive cases reported and no report of any other infected.&nbsp;

Nearly 400 Indians out of the batch of people evacuated from China have tested negative for the infected.&nbsp;

On Saturday, India said it will not allow any foreigner into India with a &nbsp;travel history to China after January 15.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed solidarity with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the people of China over the deadly coronavirus outbreak, news agency ANI reported quoting sources.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed solidarity with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the people of China over the deadly coronavirus outbreak, news agency ANI reported quoting sources. According to sources, PM Modi wrote a letter to Jinping and offered assistance to face the challenge of the deadly outbreak. He also offered condolences on the unfortunate loss of lives. Also read: Coronavirus global death toll overtakes Sars epidemic fatalities Sources: Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed appreciation for the facilitation provided by the Government of China for the evacuation of Indian citizens from the Hubei province of China. https://t.co/shASlCtcqj — ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2020 × The prime minister conveyed appreciation for the facilitation provided by the Government of China for the evacuation of Indian citizens from the Hubei province of China. The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak seems to show no signs of abating with the number of deaths crossing over 800 in China. Also read: Coronavirus - Foreigners who went to China after Jan 15 not allowed to enter India, says DGCA × The number of fatalities has even surpassed that of the SARS outbreak in 2002-2003. India, so far, seems to have contained the infection with three positive cases reported and no report of any other infected. Nearly 400 Indians out of the batch of people evacuated from China have tested negative for the infected. On Saturday, India said it will not allow any foreigner into India with a travel history to China after January 15.

In a letter, PM Modi offers assistance to Chinese President Xi Jinping over coronavirus outbreak 

A British man who contracted the new coronavirus while attending a conference in Singapore may have infected seven other people when he stopped off at a chalet in a French mountain village for a few days on his way home, health experts said on Sunday.

The man, Britain's third case of the virus, stayed with a group of holidaymakers for four days in the chalet in Les Contamines-Montjoie late last month.

Five other Britons in the Alpine ski resort have since tested positive for the coronavirus, French officials said this weekend, linking the cases to the chalet group.

The trail does not appear to end there, however. The disease carried by the same man may have spread elsewhere, underlining the challenges health authorities face in containing infections in an era of global air travel.

Also read: A<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-coronavirus-death-tolls-crosses-800-china-allocates-1026-billion-to-fight-the-outbreak-279604">s coronavirus death toll&nbsp;crosses 800, China allocates $10.26 billion to fight the outbreak</a>

Spanish authorities said on Sunday that a British man had tested positive in Mallorca after coming into contact with an infected person in France, whom they said appeared to have been part of the chalet group.

British health officials, meanwhile, said on Sunday that the country had recorded its fourth case of coronavirus, and the person had caught the illness from a Briton while in France.

"This new case would appear to be linked to the cluster of cases in the French ski resort," said Paul Hunter, professor in medicine at England's University of East Anglia. "As such, this case is part of the same cluster which is being reported as linked to a British national returning from Singapore."

However, more broadly, while the outbreak of the new coronavirus has spread to at least 27 countries and territories, according to a Reuters count, only a tiny fraction of cases - about 330 out of over 37,000 - have been outside mainland China.

Tracing chalet group

Residents of Les Contamines-Montjoie, a few wearing facemasks, lined up on Sunday to get tested for the new coronavirus as authorities sought to contain the spread.

French officials said they were tracing all the people who might have been in close contact with the group of 11 Britons exposed to the virus after sharing lodgings in the village.

Five of those tested positive, including a nine-year-old child and their father. Two other children - the infected child's siblings - were hospitalised in France for checks, officials added.

Their mother had left the country by the time the investigation began and was under observation in a UK hospital, French officials said. It was not clear if she was the latest case to be diagnosed in Britain.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-letter-pm-modi-offers-assistance-to-chinese-president-xi-jinping-over-coronavirus-outbreak-279583">In a letter, PM Modi offers assistance to Chinese President Xi Jinping over coronavirus outbreak&nbsp;</a>

Spanish authorities said the British man who had tested positive in Mallorca was one of four members of a family taken into observation on Friday after coming into contact with someone in France who was subsequently diagnosed with the virus.

The family appear to have been part of the larger group in the French ski resort, Fernando Simon, director of the Centre of Coordination of Health Emergencies at Spain's Health Ministry, told reporters.

However, he said he could not confirm this 100% because of respect for the family's privacy.

The family returned to Mallorca from France on Jan. 29 and the father started to show light symptoms 24 hours later.

Simon said the man was currently "in good health" but was being kept in isolation and authorities were drawing up a list of everyone he may have come into contact with in Mallorca.

A British man who contracted the new coronavirus while attending a conference in Singapore may have infected seven other people when he stopped off at a chalet in a French mountain village for a few days on his way home, health experts said on Sunday.

A British man who contracted the new coronavirus while attending a conference in Singapore may have infected seven other people when he stopped off at a chalet in a French mountain village for a few days on his way home, health experts said on Sunday. The man, Britain's third case of the virus, stayed with a group of holidaymakers for four days in the chalet in Les Contamines-Montjoie late last month. Five other Britons in the Alpine ski resort have since tested positive for the coronavirus, French officials said this weekend, linking the cases to the chalet group. The trail does not appear to end there, however. The disease carried by the same man may have spread elsewhere, underlining the challenges health authorities face in containing infections in an era of global air travel. Also read: As coronavirus death toll crosses 800, China allocates $10.26 billion to fight the outbreak Spanish authorities said on Sunday that a British man had tested positive in Mallorca after coming into contact with an infected person in France, whom they said appeared to have been part of the chalet group. British health officials, meanwhile, said on Sunday that the country had recorded its fourth case of coronavirus, and the person had caught the illness from a Briton while in France. "This new case would appear to be linked to the cluster of cases in the French ski resort," said Paul Hunter, professor in medicine at England's University of East Anglia. "As such, this case is part of the same cluster which is being reported as linked to a British national returning from Singapore." However, more broadly, while the outbreak of the new coronavirus has spread to at least 27 countries and territories, according to a Reuters count, only a tiny fraction of cases - about 330 out of over 37,000 - have been outside mainland China. Tracing chalet group Residents of Les Contamines-Montjoie, a few wearing facemasks, lined up on Sunday to get tested for the new coronavirus as authorities sought to contain the spread. French officials said they were tracing all the people who might have been in close contact with the group of 11 Britons exposed to the virus after sharing lodgings in the village. Five of those tested positive, including a nine-year-old child and their father. Two other children - the infected child's siblings - were hospitalised in France for checks, officials added. Their mother had left the country by the time the investigation began and was under observation in a UK hospital, French officials said. It was not clear if she was the latest case to be diagnosed in Britain. Also read: In a letter, PM Modi offers assistance to Chinese President Xi Jinping over coronavirus outbreak Spanish authorities said the British man who had tested positive in Mallorca was one of four members of a family taken into observation on Friday after coming into contact with someone in France who was subsequently diagnosed with the virus. The family appear to have been part of the larger group in the French ski resort, Fernando Simon, director of the Centre of Coordination of Health Emergencies at Spain's Health Ministry, told reporters. However, he said he could not confirm this 100% because of respect for the family's privacy. The family returned to Mallorca from France on Jan. 29 and the father started to show light symptoms 24 hours later. Simon said the man was currently "in good health" but was being kept in isolation and authorities were drawing up a list of everyone he may have come into contact with in Mallorca.

Briton in French Alps may have spread coronavirus to others across Europe

China's finance ministry said on Sunday all levels of government had allocated a total of 71.85 billion yuan ($10.26 billion) as of Saturday afternoon to fight coronavirus.

The ministry will deploy the funds to ensure that members of the public can afford diagnosis and treatment, it said in a statement on its website.

The funds will also be used to ensure that efforts of every region to fight the virus are not hampered by financial constraints, it added.

China raised the death toll from its coronavirus outbreak to 811 on Sunday, passing the number killed globally by the SARS epidemic, as authorities made plans for millions of people returning to work after an extended Lunar New Year break.

Many of China's usually teeming cities have almost become ghost towns during the past two weeks as Communist Party rulers ordered virtual lockdowns, cancelled flights, closed factories and shut schools.

Even on Monday, a large number of workplaces and schools will remain closed and many white-collar employees will work from home.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-resorts-to-wartime-measures-to-stop-coronavirus-in-wuhan-279537">China resorts to 'wartime' measures to stop coronavirus in Wuhan</a>

The scale of the potential hit to an economy that has been the engine of global growth in recent years has taken a toll on financial markets, as shares slumped and investors switched into safe-havens such as gold, bonds and the Japanese yen.

China's cabinet said on Sunday it would coordinate with transport authorities to ensure the smooth return to work of employees in key industries such as food and medicines.

The State Council's special coronavirus group also said workers should return in "batches", rather than all at once, in order to reduce infection risks.

China's ambassador to Britain described the newly identified virus as "the enemy of mankind" in an interview with BBC television on Sunday, but added it "is controllable, is preventable, is curable".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-team-to-leave-for-china-to-probe-over-coronavirus-outbreak-279566/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"At this moment is very difficult to predict when we are going to have an inflection point," Liu Xiaoming said. "We certainly hope it will come soon, but the isolation and quarantine measures have been very effective."

China's National Health Commission recorded another 89 deaths on Saturday, pushing the total well above the 774 who died from SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in 2002/2003.

Total confirmed coronavirus cases in China stood at 37,198, commission data showed. New infections recorded the first drop since Feb. 1, falling back below 3,000 to 2,656 cases. Of those, 2,147 cases were in Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak.

The virus has also spread to at least 27 countries and regions, according to a Reuters count based on official reports, infecting more than 330 people. Two deaths have been reported outside mainland China - both of Chinese nationals.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-global-death-toll-overtakes-sars-epidemic-fatalities-279534">Coronavirus global death toll overtakes Sars epidemic fatalities</a>

Mistrust and dismay

As millions of Chinese prepared to go back to work, the public dismay and mistrust of official numbers was evident on Weibo, China's equivalent of Twitter.

"What's even more frustrating is that these are only the 'official' data," said one user.

"We all know we can't purchase masks anywhere, why are we still going back to work?" said a second.

"More than 20,000 doctors and nurses around the country have been sent to Hubei, but why are the numbers still rising?" asked a third.

Authorities had told businesses to tack up to 10 extra days on to holidays that had been due to finish at the end of January and some restrictions continued.

Gaming giant Tencent Holdings Ltd said on Sunday it had asked staff to continue working from home until Feb. 21.

Hebei province, which surrounds Beijing, will keep schools shut until March 1, the People's Daily newspaper said. Several provinces have shut schools until the end of February.

The local government in the southern manufacturing hub of Shenzhen, meanwhile, denied a report in the Nikkei business daily that it had blocked a plan by Apple Inc supplier Foxconn Technology Co Ltd to resume production in China from Monday. The company would restart once inspections were completed, it said.

Global alarm

Among the latest deaths, 81 were in Hubei.

An American hospitalised in the provincial capital Wuhan, where the outbreak began, became the first confirmed non-Chinese victim. The Washington Post identified him as Hong Ling, a 53-year old geneticist who studied rare diseases at Berkeley.

Joseph Eisenberg, professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan, said it was too early to say whether the epidemic was peaking.

"Even if reported cases might be peaking, we don't know what is happening with unreported cases," he said.

Major cities and capitals announced new travel restrictions as concern over the spread of the virus increased.

Chinese-ruled Hong Kong introduced a two-week quarantine on Saturday for all people arriving from the mainland, or who have been there during the previous 14 days. Malaysia expanded its ban on visitors from China.

France issued a new travel advisory for its citizens, saying it did not recommend travelling to China unless there was an "imperative" reason. Italy asked children travelling from China to stay away from school for two weeks voluntarily.

The latest patients outside China include five British nationals staying in a mountain village in Haute-Savoie in the Alps, French health officials said, raising fears of further infections at a busy period in the ski season.

Princess Cruises, operator of the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined off the coast of Japan, said a further six people had tested positive, bringing the total cases aboard to 70.

China's finance ministry said on Sunday all levels of government had allocated a total of 71.85 billion yuan ($10.26 billion) as of Saturday afternoon to fight coronavirus.

China's finance ministry said on Sunday all levels of government had allocated a total of 71.85 billion yuan ($10.26 billion) as of Saturday afternoon to fight coronavirus. The ministry will deploy the funds to ensure that members of the public can afford diagnosis and treatment, it said in a statement on its website. The funds will also be used to ensure that efforts of every region to fight the virus are not hampered by financial constraints, it added. China raised the death toll from its coronavirus outbreak to 811 on Sunday, passing the number killed globally by the SARS epidemic, as authorities made plans for millions of people returning to work after an extended Lunar New Year break. Many of China's usually teeming cities have almost become ghost towns during the past two weeks as Communist Party rulers ordered virtual lockdowns, cancelled flights, closed factories and shut schools. Even on Monday, a large number of workplaces and schools will remain closed and many white-collar employees will work from home. Also read: China resorts to 'wartime' measures to stop coronavirus in Wuhan The scale of the potential hit to an economy that has been the engine of global growth in recent years has taken a toll on financial markets, as shares slumped and investors switched into safe-havens such as gold, bonds and the Japanese yen. China's cabinet said on Sunday it would coordinate with transport authorities to ensure the smooth return to work of employees in key industries such as food and medicines. The State Council's special coronavirus group also said workers should return in "batches", rather than all at once, in order to reduce infection risks. China's ambassador to Britain described the newly identified virus as "the enemy of mankind" in an interview with BBC television on Sunday, but added it "is controllable, is preventable, is curable". × "At this moment is very difficult to predict when we are going to have an inflection point," Liu Xiaoming said. "We certainly hope it will come soon, but the isolation and quarantine measures have been very effective." China's National Health Commission recorded another 89 deaths on Saturday, pushing the total well above the 774 who died from SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in 2002/2003. Total confirmed coronavirus cases in China stood at 37,198, commission data showed. New infections recorded the first drop since Feb. 1, falling back below 3,000 to 2,656 cases. Of those, 2,147 cases were in Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak. The virus has also spread to at least 27 countries and regions, according to a Reuters count based on official reports, infecting more than 330 people. Two deaths have been reported outside mainland China - both of Chinese nationals. Also read: Coronavirus global death toll overtakes Sars epidemic fatalities Mistrust and dismay As millions of Chinese prepared to go back to work, the public dismay and mistrust of official numbers was evident on Weibo, China's equivalent of Twitter. "What's even more frustrating is that these are only the 'official' data," said one user. "We all know we can't purchase masks anywhere, why are we still going back to work?" said a second. "More than 20,000 doctors and nurses around the country have been sent to Hubei, but why are the numbers still rising?" asked a third. Authorities had told businesses to tack up to 10 extra days on to holidays that had been due to finish at the end of January and some restrictions continued. Gaming giant Tencent Holdings Ltd said on Sunday it had asked staff to continue working from home until Feb. 21. Hebei province, which surrounds Beijing, will keep schools shut until March 1, the People's Daily newspaper said. Several provinces have shut schools until the end of February. The local government in the southern manufacturing hub of Shenzhen, meanwhile, denied a report in the Nikkei business daily that it had blocked a plan by Apple Inc supplier Foxconn Technology Co Ltd to resume production in China from Monday. The company would restart once inspections were completed, it said. Global alarm Among the latest deaths, 81 were in Hubei. An American hospitalised in the provincial capital Wuhan, where the outbreak began, became the first confirmed non-Chinese victim. The Washington Post identified him as Hong Ling, a 53-year old geneticist who studied rare diseases at Berkeley. Joseph Eisenberg, professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan, said it was too early to say whether the epidemic was peaking. "Even if reported cases might be peaking, we don't know what is happening with unreported cases," he said. Major cities and capitals announced new travel restrictions as concern over the spread of the virus increased. Chinese-ruled Hong Kong introduced a two-week quarantine on Saturday for all people arriving from the mainland, or who have been there during the previous 14 days. Malaysia expanded its ban on visitors from China. France issued a new travel advisory for its citizens, saying it did not recommend travelling to China unless there was an "imperative" reason. Italy asked children travelling from China to stay away from school for two weeks voluntarily. The latest patients outside China include five British nationals staying in a mountain village in Haute-Savoie in the Alps, French health officials said, raising fears of further infections at a busy period in the ski season. Princess Cruises, operator of the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined off the coast of Japan, said a further six people had tested positive, bringing the total cases aboard to 70.

As coronavirus death toll crosses 800, China allocates $10.26 billion to fight the outbreak

The Indian Air Force needs to "reorient and retrain" itself to a changed paradigm of war, former Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Sunday.

He also said the Rafale fighter aircraft and S400 missile defence system will help restore technological asymmetry in India's favour.

"Though the Indian Air Force has trained itself to fight a full-scale conventional war in a joint campaign with sister services, it has to reorient and retrain itself to the changed paradigm. It must plan and address capability voids in due course of time," the former Air Chief Marshal said.

He was speaking on the topic 'IAF In The Changed Security Paradigm' at the fifth Flying Officer Nirmal Jeet Singh Sekhon PVC annual memorial lecture organised here by the Gujarat chapter of the Air Force Association.

Speaking on likely scenarios of the future, the IAF chief (retd) Dhanoa said, "We come to realise that sub-conventional conflict over terrorist attack on one of our installations and personnel has the highest probability of occurrence because it can happen anytime and anywhere. This is something for which we need to be prepared 24/7."

"A skirmish or a localised conflict like Kargil due to a terrorist attack that has gone awry like Uri and Pulwama is within the realm of possibility of our western neighbour," he said.

The former IAF chief added that there was a need to "re-prioritise our expenditure based on this changed paradigm".

"Hence spending on the integrated perimeter security system of our bases is more important than bemoaning not having a full authorised centre required for a two-front war," he said.

The former IAF chief also said, "With the induction of Rafale and S-400, the technological asymmetry will once again be restored in our favour. Even if there is going to be a paradigm shift in the way they are going to fight the next war, there is a need to have a technological superiority so that our deterrence remains effective and we can maintain the peace".

He underlined the needs for a "full-spectrum capability", as the enemy keeps modernising, and to address some of the "capability voids".

Stressing that cyber and space were two new domains which have to be defended strongly, the former ACM said, "The way we have a network-enabled force, there are so many systems riding on our communication network, and very shortly deployment of operational data link, we will become a network force."

"Cyber will have to be defended very strongly. Second is space, initially used only for telecommunication...Add a new dimension which has changed the paradigm," he added.

Former IAF chief Dhanoa said the surgical strike carried out in retaliation to the attack on the Uri base has signalled a paradigm shift in the way Indian government would respond to terrorist attacks involving mass casualties.

"A surgical strike was authorised, and Balakot strike was approved by the government to send a political message to Pakistan that such attacks will incur a heavy price.

"Pakistan government got the message that the new government will respond militarily to major terrorist attacks on its soil....This happened because of decisive national leadership in place, backed by the fact that should it escalate, we are ready for it at short notice. After all, it was a joint battle, and government cannot battle without all the three services being ready," he said.

Regarding the Balakot strike, the former IAF chief said going after a "non-military target" was "a very wise decision".

"The operational capability and our intelligence capability cannot be compromised to just try and win the perception battle in the media. But both the Pakistani establishment and (terror group) Jaish-e-Mohammed got the message," he said.

The former IAF chief further said that there were no major terror attacks between February and June 2019 till the conclusion of the Lok Sabha polls because the Army, Navy and Air Force were "forward-deployed to give a punitive response at very short notice."

He added that the attack on a terror camp in Pakistan was meant to give a message to that country's establishment, and "not to the Pakistani public, or an effort to win a propaganda battle with the Pakistani and international media".

"Had it been so, we would have used different weapons and different modes of attacks for which presently Pakistan has no counter," he added.

Lt General PM Hariz (retd) and Vice Admiral Vijay Shankar (retd) also delivered speeches on the occasion.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force needs to "reorient and retrain" itself to a changed paradigm of war, former Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Sunday. He also said the Rafale fighter aircraft and S400 missile defence system will help restore technological asymmetry in India's favour.

The Indian Air Force needs to "reorient and retrain" itself to a changed paradigm of war, former Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Sunday. He also said the Rafale fighter aircraft and S400 missile defence system will help restore technological asymmetry in India's favour. "Though the Indian Air Force has trained itself to fight a full-scale conventional war in a joint campaign with sister services, it has to reorient and retrain itself to the changed paradigm. It must plan and address capability voids in due course of time," the former Air Chief Marshal said. He was speaking on the topic 'IAF In The Changed Security Paradigm' at the fifth Flying Officer Nirmal Jeet Singh Sekhon PVC annual memorial lecture organised here by the Gujarat chapter of the Air Force Association. Speaking on likely scenarios of the future, the IAF chief (retd) Dhanoa said, "We come to realise that sub-conventional conflict over terrorist attack on one of our installations and personnel has the highest probability of occurrence because it can happen anytime and anywhere. This is something for which we need to be prepared 24/7." "A skirmish or a localised conflict like Kargil due to a terrorist attack that has gone awry like Uri and Pulwama is within the realm of possibility of our western neighbour," he said. The former IAF chief added that there was a need to "re-prioritise our expenditure based on this changed paradigm". "Hence spending on the integrated perimeter security system of our bases is more important than bemoaning not having a full authorised centre required for a two-front war," he said. The former IAF chief also said, "With the induction of Rafale and S-400, the technological asymmetry will once again be restored in our favour. Even if there is going to be a paradigm shift in the way they are going to fight the next war, there is a need to have a technological superiority so that our deterrence remains effective and we can maintain the peace". He underlined the needs for a "full-spectrum capability", as the enemy keeps modernising, and to address some of the "capability voids". Stressing that cyber and space were two new domains which have to be defended strongly, the former ACM said, "The way we have a network-enabled force, there are so many systems riding on our communication network, and very shortly deployment of operational data link, we will become a network force." "Cyber will have to be defended very strongly. Second is space, initially used only for telecommunication...Add a new dimension which has changed the paradigm," he added. Former IAF chief Dhanoa said the surgical strike carried out in retaliation to the attack on the Uri base has signalled a paradigm shift in the way Indian government would respond to terrorist attacks involving mass casualties. "A surgical strike was authorised, and Balakot strike was approved by the government to send a political message to Pakistan that such attacks will incur a heavy price. "Pakistan government got the message that the new government will respond militarily to major terrorist attacks on its soil....This happened because of decisive national leadership in place, backed by the fact that should it escalate, we are ready for it at short notice. After all, it was a joint battle, and government cannot battle without all the three services being ready," he said. Regarding the Balakot strike, the former IAF chief said going after a "non-military target" was "a very wise decision". "The operational capability and our intelligence capability cannot be compromised to just try and win the perception battle in the media. But both the Pakistani establishment and (terror group) Jaish-e-Mohammed got the message," he said. The former IAF chief further said that there were no major terror attacks between February and June 2019 till the conclusion of the Lok Sabha polls because the Army, Navy and Air Force were "forward-deployed to give a punitive response at very short notice." He added that the attack on a terror camp in Pakistan was meant to give a message to that country's establishment, and "not to the Pakistani public, or an effort to win a propaganda battle with the Pakistani and international media". "Had it been so, we would have used different weapons and different modes of attacks for which presently Pakistan has no counter," he added. Lt General PM Hariz (retd) and Vice Admiral Vijay Shankar (retd) also delivered speeches on the occasion.

IAF has to reorient, retrain to changed war paradigm: Dhanoa

Holding candles and writing condolences as monks chanted prayers, hundreds of Thais held an evening vigil Sunday for the 29 victims of an "unprecedented" mass shooting carried out by a soldier.

Sharpshooters killed the gunman on Sunday morning after a 17-hour ordeal, including a night of firefights and terrifying dashes for mall exits by shoppers trapped in the Terminal 21 mall in Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat.

The provincial governor told reporters that the total death toll -- including the gunman -- stood at 30.

The dead include civilians, one of them a 13-year-old boy, and security forces going after the rogue soldier, who was upset over a debt dispute, according to Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha.

"It is unprecedented in Thailand, and I want this to be the last time this crisis happens," he said earlier outside a hospital where victims -- some in critical condition -- were being treated.

Those who attended the somber vigil scrawled messages on white sheets of paper laid out on the ground, including "Remember Forever" and "I wish you a good afterlife".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-mass-shooter-killed-at-shopping-mall-say-security-sources-279539">Thai mass shooter killed at shopping mall, say security sources</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/26-reportedly-killed-in-thailand-mass-shooting-279571/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Prayut, a former army chief, blamed a "personal problem" over the sale of a house for the soldier's rampage, which began on Saturday afternoon near an army barracks and was for several hours relayed by the gunman via Facebook posts.

The attacker, identified as Sergeant-Major Jakrapanth Thomma, used a stolen M60 machine gun and rifles from one of Thailand's largest barracks as well as a military Humvee to carry out the attack.

Prayut said the gunman overpowered security at the barracks' arsenal and that "carelessness" was not a factor.

"We don't leave the arsenal depot alone -- we had people guarding it."

Volleys of gunfire rang out as the siege ran into dawn, hours after Thai security services stormed the ground floor and freed scores of terrified shoppers.

They sent cascades of messages to friends and family on social media from storerooms, barricaded in toilets and hidden under tables as the gunman stalked the mall.

With the machine gun slung over his shoulder and in full combat gear, Jakrapanth swaggered through the emptied out floors in haunting footage captured by CCTV cameras.

Evacuees recounted how an ordinary Saturday at the busy shopping centre descended into horror as he entered.

"It was like a dream... I'm grateful I survived," Sottiyanee Unchalee, 48, told AFP, explaining she hid in the toilet of a gym inside the mall as she heard the gunfire.

Filipino teacher Aldrin Baliquing said he was ushered into a storeroom by staff as the shooting began.

"We were there for six gruelling hours... I'm in shock," he said.

Scores of people made a dash for it as police and soldiers in masks and wielding assault rifles took control of the ground floor following a gun battle and scoured the fleeing crowds for the assailant.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soldier-kills-20-in-shooting-rampage-in-thailands-northeast-279532">Security forces storm mall after soldier kills 20 in shooting rampage in Thailand</a>

'Like a Zombie movie'

"It was total panic, it was like a Zombie movie," Chanatip Somsakul, 33, said of his escape with his wife and three-year-old daughter.&nbsp;

"People jumped on motorbikes and ran in all directions."

Several hours later the gunman was shot dead. Photos showed smiling units of elite soldiers and police emerging from the mall.

The gunman relayed his shooting spree through Facebook posts which charted the attack from an army barracks to the city mall.

The bloodshed began Saturday afternoon when he shot three people -- among them at least one soldier -- at a senior officer's house and then at the nearby army barracks, before driving a military vehicle to the town centre.

There the gunman used the stolen weapons to unleash carnage.

Throughout the day he posted images of himself and wrote several posts on his Facebook page.

In one Facebook video -- since deleted -- the assailant, wearing an army helmet, filmed from an open-top jeep, saying, "I'm tired... I can't pull my finger anymore" as he made a trigger symbol with his hand.

There were also photos of a man in a ski mask holding a pistol.

Thailand's digital economy minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta said he contacted regional executives at the social media giant to report the activity.

"I think this might be the first time that this happened in Thailand and it caused a lot of problems," he told AFP.

A Facebook spokesperson said the gunman's accounts were removed and it will "work around the clock to remove any violating content related to this attack as soon as we become aware of it."

Thailand has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the world, and several shootings at courthouses last year renewed concern about gun violence.

Holding candles and writing condolences as monks chanted prayers, hundreds of Thais held an evening vigil Sunday for the 29 victims of an "unprecedented" mass shooting carried out by a soldier.

Holding candles and writing condolences as monks chanted prayers, hundreds of Thais held an evening vigil Sunday for the 29 victims of an "unprecedented" mass shooting carried out by a soldier. Sharpshooters killed the gunman on Sunday morning after a 17-hour ordeal, including a night of firefights and terrifying dashes for mall exits by shoppers trapped in the Terminal 21 mall in Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat. The provincial governor told reporters that the total death toll -- including the gunman -- stood at 30. The dead include civilians, one of them a 13-year-old boy, and security forces going after the rogue soldier, who was upset over a debt dispute, according to Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha. "It is unprecedented in Thailand, and I want this to be the last time this crisis happens," he said earlier outside a hospital where victims -- some in critical condition -- were being treated. Those who attended the somber vigil scrawled messages on white sheets of paper laid out on the ground, including "Remember Forever" and "I wish you a good afterlife". Also read: Thai mass shooter killed at shopping mall, say security sources × Prayut, a former army chief, blamed a "personal problem" over the sale of a house for the soldier's rampage, which began on Saturday afternoon near an army barracks and was for several hours relayed by the gunman via Facebook posts. The attacker, identified as Sergeant-Major Jakrapanth Thomma, used a stolen M60 machine gun and rifles from one of Thailand's largest barracks as well as a military Humvee to carry out the attack. Prayut said the gunman overpowered security at the barracks' arsenal and that "carelessness" was not a factor. "We don't leave the arsenal depot alone -- we had people guarding it." Volleys of gunfire rang out as the siege ran into dawn, hours after Thai security services stormed the ground floor and freed scores of terrified shoppers. They sent cascades of messages to friends and family on social media from storerooms, barricaded in toilets and hidden under tables as the gunman stalked the mall. With the machine gun slung over his shoulder and in full combat gear, Jakrapanth swaggered through the emptied out floors in haunting footage captured by CCTV cameras. Evacuees recounted how an ordinary Saturday at the busy shopping centre descended into horror as he entered. "It was like a dream... I'm grateful I survived," Sottiyanee Unchalee, 48, told AFP, explaining she hid in the toilet of a gym inside the mall as she heard the gunfire. Filipino teacher Aldrin Baliquing said he was ushered into a storeroom by staff as the shooting began. "We were there for six gruelling hours... I'm in shock," he said. Scores of people made a dash for it as police and soldiers in masks and wielding assault rifles took control of the ground floor following a gun battle and scoured the fleeing crowds for the assailant. Also read: Security forces storm mall after soldier kills 20 in shooting rampage in Thailand 'Like a Zombie movie' "It was total panic, it was like a Zombie movie," Chanatip Somsakul, 33, said of his escape with his wife and three-year-old daughter. "People jumped on motorbikes and ran in all directions." Several hours later the gunman was shot dead. Photos showed smiling units of elite soldiers and police emerging from the mall. The gunman relayed his shooting spree through Facebook posts which charted the attack from an army barracks to the city mall. The bloodshed began Saturday afternoon when he shot three people -- among them at least one soldier -- at a senior officer's house and then at the nearby army barracks, before driving a military vehicle to the town centre. There the gunman used the stolen weapons to unleash carnage. Throughout the day he posted images of himself and wrote several posts on his Facebook page. In one Facebook video -- since deleted -- the assailant, wearing an army helmet, filmed from an open-top jeep, saying, "I'm tired... I can't pull my finger anymore" as he made a trigger symbol with his hand. There were also photos of a man in a ski mask holding a pistol. Thailand's digital economy minister Buddhipongse Punnakanta said he contacted regional executives at the social media giant to report the activity. "I think this might be the first time that this happened in Thailand and it caused a lot of problems," he told AFP. A Facebook spokesperson said the gunman's accounts were removed and it will "work around the clock to remove any violating content related to this attack as soon as we become aware of it." Thailand has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the world, and several shootings at courthouses last year renewed concern about gun violence.

Thai city holds vigil for 29 victims of 'unprecedented' mass shooting

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev's ruling party on Sunday won a majority of seats in snap parliamentary polls, according to exit polls, as the opposition denounced what it said was mass electoral fraud.

Aliyev's Yeni (New) Azerbaijan party has won 69 seats in the 125-member parliament, the Milli Majlis, according to two exit polls conducted by local pollsters.

The ruling party -- which faced little challenge from the embattled opposition -- promised that the election would be democratic, but opposition parties have accused the government of limiting their ability to campaign and several parties boycotted the vote.

"The elections were totally falsified," opposition leader Arif Gadjily of the Musavat party told AFP, denouncing what he claimed was widespread ballot stuffing and multiple voting.

Faced with public discontent over a slowing economy Aliyev, 58, hoped to improve the government's image by holding early elections and replacing discredited old elites with younger technocrats, critics said.

At a polling station in Baku, Vafa Alekperova, a 43-year-old schoolteacher, said she voted for a candidate of the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan party.

"I trust the party and my hopes for a better future are tied to it," she said.

Taxi driver Ilgar Gasymov, 58, said he "voted for an opposition candidate because only the opposition cares about ordinary people's problems".

More than 5.3 million people were eligible to vote. Turnout stood at nearly 45 per cent as of 1300 GMT, two hours before polls closed, said the central election commission, which was due to start releasing results later Sunday.

'Protest sentiment'

Parliamentary elections had originally been scheduled for November this year but in December Aliyev called early polls after a surprise self-dissolution of the legislature that is dominated by his ruling party.

The move followed a replacement of the prime minister and a number of veteran officials within the presidential administration and the government.

Analyst Anar Mammadli noted that public anger over economic problems has been growing in the South Caucasus country of nine million people.

"Aliyev chose to hold elections eight months ahead of schedule as he fears that protest sentiment would grow further by November," he said.

Highly dependent on oil exports, the country has since 2015 been hit by a drop in energy prices and the global economic downturn, and has sharply devalued its currency, the manat.

Neither free nor fair

With most powers concentrated in the presidency, parliament has a limited role in the Caspian nation's political system.

Electoral commissions are controlled by Aliyev's party and all of the oil-rich country's television stations refused to allocate airtime to the opposition parties.

Prominent opposition leader Isa Gambar decried draconian restrictions on freedom of assembly in Azerbaijan where "people are being arrested and tortured" for taking part in peaceful protest rallies.

None of the elections held in Azerbaijan since Aliyev came to power have been recognised as free and fair by international observers.

Aliyev has ruled the ex-Soviet state with an iron fist since he was first elected in 2003, after the death of his father, Azerbaijan's Soviet-era Communist leader and former KGB general Heydar Aliyev.

Under the Aliyev dynasty, Baku has faced strong international criticism for persecuting political opponents and suffocating independent media.

Sunday's ballot has been monitored by international observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.&nbsp;

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev's ruling party on Sunday won a majority of seats in snap parliamentary polls, according to exit polls, as the opposition denounced what it said was mass electoral fraud.

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev's ruling party on Sunday won a majority of seats in snap parliamentary polls, according to exit polls, as the opposition denounced what it said was mass electoral fraud. Aliyev's Yeni (New) Azerbaijan party has won 69 seats in the 125-member parliament, the Milli Majlis, according to two exit polls conducted by local pollsters. The ruling party -- which faced little challenge from the embattled opposition -- promised that the election would be democratic, but opposition parties have accused the government of limiting their ability to campaign and several parties boycotted the vote. "The elections were totally falsified," opposition leader Arif Gadjily of the Musavat party told AFP, denouncing what he claimed was widespread ballot stuffing and multiple voting. Faced with public discontent over a slowing economy Aliyev, 58, hoped to improve the government's image by holding early elections and replacing discredited old elites with younger technocrats, critics said. At a polling station in Baku, Vafa Alekperova, a 43-year-old schoolteacher, said she voted for a candidate of the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan party. "I trust the party and my hopes for a better future are tied to it," she said. Taxi driver Ilgar Gasymov, 58, said he "voted for an opposition candidate because only the opposition cares about ordinary people's problems". More than 5.3 million people were eligible to vote. Turnout stood at nearly 45 per cent as of 1300 GMT, two hours before polls closed, said the central election commission, which was due to start releasing results later Sunday. 'Protest sentiment' Parliamentary elections had originally been scheduled for November this year but in December Aliyev called early polls after a surprise self-dissolution of the legislature that is dominated by his ruling party. The move followed a replacement of the prime minister and a number of veteran officials within the presidential administration and the government. Analyst Anar Mammadli noted that public anger over economic problems has been growing in the South Caucasus country of nine million people. "Aliyev chose to hold elections eight months ahead of schedule as he fears that protest sentiment would grow further by November," he said. Highly dependent on oil exports, the country has since 2015 been hit by a drop in energy prices and the global economic downturn, and has sharply devalued its currency, the manat. Neither free nor fair With most powers concentrated in the presidency, parliament has a limited role in the Caspian nation's political system. Electoral commissions are controlled by Aliyev's party and all of the oil-rich country's television stations refused to allocate airtime to the opposition parties. Prominent opposition leader Isa Gambar decried draconian restrictions on freedom of assembly in Azerbaijan where "people are being arrested and tortured" for taking part in peaceful protest rallies. None of the elections held in Azerbaijan since Aliyev came to power have been recognised as free and fair by international observers. Aliyev has ruled the ex-Soviet state with an iron fist since he was first elected in 2003, after the death of his father, Azerbaijan's Soviet-era Communist leader and former KGB general Heydar Aliyev. Under the Aliyev dynasty, Baku has faced strong international criticism for persecuting political opponents and suffocating independent media. Sunday's ballot has been monitored by international observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Azerbaijan ruling party wins vote, opposition cries foul

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that the foundation for achieving the goal of USD 5 trillion economy by 2024-25 has been laid in the union budget which stressed on increasing capital expenditure for infrastructure.

She said that the budget has also focused on increasing consumption and investments towards building assets.

"I think we have laid the foundation for increasing consumption and investments towards building assets such as infrastructure, which should have a cascading effect in the long and short term," Sitharaman told reporters.

She said this will trigger the virtuous cycle for the economy to perform and move forward.

"The majority of government investment is directed towards creating infrastructure and through various windows like health and agriculture to avoid any kind of rural distress. These will create the foundation for the USD 5 trillion economy," she said.

Asked about the rationalisation of rates of Goods and Services Tax, the finance minister said that it is being reviewed every three months by the GST Council.

"If the rates are reviewed every three months, the government cannot make an assessment of revenue collection. Can we consider a situation where rate rationalisation is done once a year and not every three months?. I have proposed the GST Council to consider it," she said.

Rationalisation of GST rates once a year will help the government and businesses, she said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-plans-to-cut-funds-for-states-nirmala-sitharaman-279527">No plans to cut funds for states - Nirmala Sitharaman</a>

"It is not that GST collection is not happening. The indirect tax administration is now getting the benefits of data analytics to prevent fraudulent activities," the finance minister said.

The GST collection has been around Rs one lakh crore per month, she said.

To a query whether GST has been revenue neutral as was envisaged, the finance minister said, "The compensation rate (for states' revenue loss) was fixed at 14 per cent on the basis of a certain level of calculation. However, collections have fallen (short of expectations) and so there will be an impact."

The compensation rate was fixed on the premise that the economy will grow by 12-13 per cent, she said,

"But in the last two months, the economy grew less than that. However, the government will pay compensation (to the states) within a timeline", Sitharaman said.

To a question about bringing petrol and diesel under GST, she said a lot of discussions had taken place when the new law was framed.

"My predecessor late Arun Kr Jaitley made a provision for making petroleum products zero-rated. When states are ready, there is no need for any amendment to bring petroleum products under GST and the Council can do that," the finance minister said.

On liquidity to industry and NBFCs, she said every possible step is being taken to ensure that availability of cash does not become an issue.

"The government is closely monitoring lending by both public and private sector banks. Secretaries are continuously engaged with the banks and every possible step is being taken so that liquidity is available," she said.

Sitharaman also dismissed the fear that the optional direct tax structure, as announced in the budget, will decrease savings and thereby investments.

Regarding partial disinvestment in LIC through an IPO, as announced in the budget, she said, "Indian people will hold shares and there is no reason to believe as to why money in the insurance company will not be secure after the shares will be offered to the public."

She said, "I do not know what will be the extent of disinvestment. May be eight, ten or 12 per cent. The government will have the remaining shareholding."

Asked about what West Bengal has received from the budget, she said, "I do not know how I answer this question of kisko keya mila (which state gets what). I am looking at the point of macroeconomic stability, building assets in the country, money directly going to hands of individuals because of reduced tax rates and so on."

Announcements were made in the budget about various projects which are happening in different states, the finance minister said.

While interacting with the members of trade and industries here earlier in the day, Sitharaman said the government wants continuous engagement with industries and businesses and will act as a facilitator for hassle-free payments of taxes.

She said the Centre has introduced some features in the budget like "faceless appeals and sorting out of problems while imparting tax administration".

Sitharaman said this will be made possible only with the help of new technology.

At one point of time during the discussion, city-based industrialist Gaurav Swarup complained that promoters of some companies are looking at selling their businesses and many others are "losing interests" as there is no incentive.

Unfazed by such remarks, Sitharaman said, "Tell me, what is the solution? The government reduces the corporate tax rate and keeps it very low for a new one. It takes steps to simplify the tax structure and make the system cleaner and reduce the rates progressively. Tell me what else you want me to do."

Indian Chamber of Commerce director general Rajeev Singh said a delegation from the industry body also expressed concerns over the implication of tax collected at source (TCS) on Indian exports and other issues like ESOP (Employee stock ownership plan).&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that the foundation for achieving the goal of USD 5 trillion economy by 2024-25 has been laid in the union budget which stressed on increasing capital expenditure for infrastructure.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that the foundation for achieving the goal of USD 5 trillion economy by 2024-25 has been laid in the union budget which stressed on increasing capital expenditure for infrastructure. She said that the budget has also focused on increasing consumption and investments towards building assets. "I think we have laid the foundation for increasing consumption and investments towards building assets such as infrastructure, which should have a cascading effect in the long and short term," Sitharaman told reporters. She said this will trigger the virtuous cycle for the economy to perform and move forward. "The majority of government investment is directed towards creating infrastructure and through various windows like health and agriculture to avoid any kind of rural distress. These will create the foundation for the USD 5 trillion economy," she said. Asked about the rationalisation of rates of Goods and Services Tax, the finance minister said that it is being reviewed every three months by the GST Council. "If the rates are reviewed every three months, the government cannot make an assessment of revenue collection. Can we consider a situation where rate rationalisation is done once a year and not every three months?. I have proposed the GST Council to consider it," she said. Rationalisation of GST rates once a year will help the government and businesses, she said. Also read: No plans to cut funds for states - Nirmala Sitharaman "It is not that GST collection is not happening. The indirect tax administration is now getting the benefits of data analytics to prevent fraudulent activities," the finance minister said. The GST collection has been around Rs one lakh crore per month, she said. To a query whether GST has been revenue neutral as was envisaged, the finance minister said, "The compensation rate (for states' revenue loss) was fixed at 14 per cent on the basis of a certain level of calculation. However, collections have fallen (short of expectations) and so there will be an impact." The compensation rate was fixed on the premise that the economy will grow by 12-13 per cent, she said, "But in the last two months, the economy grew less than that. However, the government will pay compensation (to the states) within a timeline", Sitharaman said. To a question about bringing petrol and diesel under GST, she said a lot of discussions had taken place when the new law was framed. "My predecessor late Arun Kr Jaitley made a provision for making petroleum products zero-rated. When states are ready, there is no need for any amendment to bring petroleum products under GST and the Council can do that," the finance minister said. On liquidity to industry and NBFCs, she said every possible step is being taken to ensure that availability of cash does not become an issue. "The government is closely monitoring lending by both public and private sector banks. Secretaries are continuously engaged with the banks and every possible step is being taken so that liquidity is available," she said. Sitharaman also dismissed the fear that the optional direct tax structure, as announced in the budget, will decrease savings and thereby investments. Regarding partial disinvestment in LIC through an IPO, as announced in the budget, she said, "Indian people will hold shares and there is no reason to believe as to why money in the insurance company will not be secure after the shares will be offered to the public." She said, "I do not know what will be the extent of disinvestment. May be eight, ten or 12 per cent. The government will have the remaining shareholding." Asked about what West Bengal has received from the budget, she said, "I do not know how I answer this question of kisko keya mila (which state gets what). I am looking at the point of macroeconomic stability, building assets in the country, money directly going to hands of individuals because of reduced tax rates and so on." Announcements were made in the budget about various projects which are happening in different states, the finance minister said. While interacting with the members of trade and industries here earlier in the day, Sitharaman said the government wants continuous engagement with industries and businesses and will act as a facilitator for hassle-free payments of taxes. She said the Centre has introduced some features in the budget like "faceless appeals and sorting out of problems while imparting tax administration". Sitharaman said this will be made possible only with the help of new technology. At one point of time during the discussion, city-based industrialist Gaurav Swarup complained that promoters of some companies are looking at selling their businesses and many others are "losing interests" as there is no incentive. Unfazed by such remarks, Sitharaman said, "Tell me, what is the solution? The government reduces the corporate tax rate and keeps it very low for a new one. It takes steps to simplify the tax structure and make the system cleaner and reduce the rates progressively. Tell me what else you want me to do." Indian Chamber of Commerce director general Rajeev Singh said a delegation from the industry body also expressed concerns over the implication of tax collected at source (TCS) on Indian exports and other issues like ESOP (Employee stock ownership plan).

Laid foundation for $5 trillion economy in budget: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Rail operator Deutsche Bahn said Sunday it was halting long-distance train services in many parts of northwestern Germany because of disruptions caused by Storm Ciara.

"Since there have already been disruptions caused by the cyclone, we are temporarily halting long-distance travel in large parts of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, North Rhine-Westphalia and Bremen with immediate effect," it said on its website.

Britain and Ireland were lashed by howling winds and inundated with driving rain Sunday as Storm Ciara left homes without power, wiped out sports events and disrupted travel around northwestern Europe.

The bad weather also hit France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany throughout Sunday, causing scores of flights to be cancelled.

In Britain, more than 30,000 homes were left without power, largely in eastern England.

The highest wind speed recorded was 93 miles (150 kilometres) per hour at Aberdaron, on the tip of northwest Wales's Llyn peninsula.

At Wet Sleddale Reservoir in northwest England's Lake District national park, 151.8 millimetres of rain fell in a 24-hour period.

Rail companies urged passengers not to travel and operated reduced timetables and speed restrictions.

In the central Scottish city of Perth, three people were injured after part of a pub roof collapsed on Saturday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfires-cyclone-torrential-rain-hit-australias-coasts-279552">Bushfires, cyclone, torrential rain hit Australia's coasts</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australias-west-coast-braces-for-tropical-cyclone-damien-279598/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Sports events were also hit.

The English Premier League fixture between champions Manchester City and strugglers West Ham was called off due to "extreme and escalating weather conditions", City said in a statement.

The entire Women's Super League football programme was called off, including derbies between Arsenal and Tottenham, and Everton and Liverpool.

The north London clash was a sell-out, while the latter was due to attract a 20,000-plus crowd to Goodison Park.

In London, organisers cancelled a 10-kilometre race in which 25,000 runners were due to take part, while major city parks closed.

In rugby league, both Super League fixtures were postponed.

Meanwhile Queen Elizabeth II, staying at her Sandringham country residence in eastern England, did not go to church due to the high winds. The 93-year-old is the supreme governor of the Church of England.

Flights grounded

About 120 flights to and from Amsterdam Schiphol, the third-busiest airport in Europe, were cancelled, largely affecting KLM, British Airways, easyJet and Lufthansa services.

Several airports in Germany had to cancel flights as the storm swept in from the north.

Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich, Cologne and Hanover were among those affected, while at Dusseldorf, 111 flights were scrapped on Sunday.

In Belgium, the Royal Meteorological Institute issued an alert for Sunday of winds reaching 130 kph, or more, with the risk of property damage nationwide.

Some 60 flights departing or arriving at Brussels Airport have been cancelled as a precaution, according to an airport spokesman, who said further delays were possible.

In Ireland, around 14,000 homes and businesses were without power, national broadcaster RTE said, as the republic began counting ballots in its general election.

Ireland's Met Eireann meteorological service said winds would occasionally reach storm force 10 on western and northern coastal waters.

"Storm Ciara will continue to produce very strong west to southwest winds over Ireland with mean speeds of 50-65 kph and gusts generally of between 90 and 110 kph, higher in Atlantic coastal areas," it said.

"A combination of spring tides and high seas will result in a significant risk of coastal flooding."

Saturday's opening ceremony of Galway's year as European Capital of Culture, was scrapped due to bad weather buffeting Ireland's west coast.

Earlier French forecaster Marion Pirat told AFP that high winds were expected in the north and northwest of the country, potentially strengthening to 120 kph overnight Sunday. In the Vosges, winds could hit speeds of 140 kph.

The storm could make tough going for the Six Nations rugby clash between France and visitors Italy at 1600 GMT at the Stade de France in Paris.

The Dutch Football Association announced that Sunday's four top-flight matches had been postponed, while the Belgian top division also called off its matches.

Rail operator Deutsche Bahn said Sunday it was halting long-distance train services in many parts of northwestern Germany because of disruptions caused by Storm Ciara.

Rail operator Deutsche Bahn said Sunday it was halting long-distance train services in many parts of northwestern Germany because of disruptions caused by Storm Ciara. "Since there have already been disruptions caused by the cyclone, we are temporarily halting long-distance travel in large parts of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, North Rhine-Westphalia and Bremen with immediate effect," it said on its website. Britain and Ireland were lashed by howling winds and inundated with driving rain Sunday as Storm Ciara left homes without power, wiped out sports events and disrupted travel around northwestern Europe. The bad weather also hit France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany throughout Sunday, causing scores of flights to be cancelled. In Britain, more than 30,000 homes were left without power, largely in eastern England. The highest wind speed recorded was 93 miles (150 kilometres) per hour at Aberdaron, on the tip of northwest Wales's Llyn peninsula. At Wet Sleddale Reservoir in northwest England's Lake District national park, 151.8 millimetres of rain fell in a 24-hour period. Rail companies urged passengers not to travel and operated reduced timetables and speed restrictions. In the central Scottish city of Perth, three people were injured after part of a pub roof collapsed on Saturday. Also read: Bushfires, cyclone, torrential rain hit Australia's coasts × Sports events were also hit. The English Premier League fixture between champions Manchester City and strugglers West Ham was called off due to "extreme and escalating weather conditions", City said in a statement. The entire Women's Super League football programme was called off, including derbies between Arsenal and Tottenham, and Everton and Liverpool. The north London clash was a sell-out, while the latter was due to attract a 20,000-plus crowd to Goodison Park. In London, organisers cancelled a 10-kilometre race in which 25,000 runners were due to take part, while major city parks closed. In rugby league, both Super League fixtures were postponed. Meanwhile Queen Elizabeth II, staying at her Sandringham country residence in eastern England, did not go to church due to the high winds. The 93-year-old is the supreme governor of the Church of England. Flights grounded About 120 flights to and from Amsterdam Schiphol, the third-busiest airport in Europe, were cancelled, largely affecting KLM, British Airways, easyJet and Lufthansa services. Several airports in Germany had to cancel flights as the storm swept in from the north. Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich, Cologne and Hanover were among those affected, while at Dusseldorf, 111 flights were scrapped on Sunday. In Belgium, the Royal Meteorological Institute issued an alert for Sunday of winds reaching 130 kph, or more, with the risk of property damage nationwide. Some 60 flights departing or arriving at Brussels Airport have been cancelled as a precaution, according to an airport spokesman, who said further delays were possible. In Ireland, around 14,000 homes and businesses were without power, national broadcaster RTE said, as the republic began counting ballots in its general election. Ireland's Met Eireann meteorological service said winds would occasionally reach storm force 10 on western and northern coastal waters. "Storm Ciara will continue to produce very strong west to southwest winds over Ireland with mean speeds of 50-65 kph and gusts generally of between 90 and 110 kph, higher in Atlantic coastal areas," it said. "A combination of spring tides and high seas will result in a significant risk of coastal flooding." Saturday's opening ceremony of Galway's year as European Capital of Culture, was scrapped due to bad weather buffeting Ireland's west coast. Earlier French forecaster Marion Pirat told AFP that high winds were expected in the north and northwest of the country, potentially strengthening to 120 kph overnight Sunday. In the Vosges, winds could hit speeds of 140 kph. The storm could make tough going for the Six Nations rugby clash between France and visitors Italy at 1600 GMT at the Stade de France in Paris. The Dutch Football Association announced that Sunday's four top-flight matches had been postponed, while the Belgian top division also called off its matches.

Germany halts long-distance rail services in several states as Storm Ciara batters

Twenty one centres for counting of votes on February 11 have been set up in the city-state, Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ranbir Singh said on Sunday.

"We have set up 21 centres for counting of votes, wherein there will be a dedicated hall for every constituency. The counting will start at 8 am on February 11," Singh told ANI on Sunday.

Singh also said that delay in the declaration of final poll percentage had occurred due to the Returning Officers (ROs) being busy in doing the scrutiny among other things.

"The voter turnout data is submitted by ROs who were busy throughout the night. The strong rooms were sealed in the early morning. Then they became busy in scrutiny. It has taken a little bit of time but in data entry, it is very important to ensure accuracy," Singh said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/6259-voter-turnout-in-delhi-election-poll-officials-279590">62.59% voter turnout in Delhi election - Poll officials</a>

Refuting the allegations of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders that electronic voting machines (EVMs) were being moved in an "unauthorised manner" after the polls, Singh said, "We have conducted a detailed investigation in the presence of an observer and candidates of all parties."

"The machines were found to be reserve, unused which were being taken back after the polls by the sector officer. They were investigated and no discrepancy was found in them," he said.

The Delhi assembly elections concluded on Saturday evening. The exit polls have predicted the AAP will win a two-thirds majority with some giving it a three-fourth majority in the 70-member assembly.

&nbsp;

Twenty one centres for counting of votes on February 11 have been set up in the city-state, Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ranbir Singh said on Sunday. "We have set up 21 centres for counting of votes, wherein there will be a dedicated hall for every constituency.

Twenty one centres for counting of votes on February 11 have been set up in the city-state, Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ranbir Singh said on Sunday. "We have set up 21 centres for counting of votes, wherein there will be a dedicated hall for every constituency. The counting will start at 8 am on February 11," Singh told ANI on Sunday. Singh also said that delay in the declaration of final poll percentage had occurred due to the Returning Officers (ROs) being busy in doing the scrutiny among other things. "The voter turnout data is submitted by ROs who were busy throughout the night. The strong rooms were sealed in the early morning. Then they became busy in scrutiny. It has taken a little bit of time but in data entry, it is very important to ensure accuracy," Singh said. Also read: 62.59% voter turnout in Delhi election - Poll officials Refuting the allegations of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders that electronic voting machines (EVMs) were being moved in an "unauthorised manner" after the polls, Singh said, "We have conducted a detailed investigation in the presence of an observer and candidates of all parties." "The machines were found to be reserve, unused which were being taken back after the polls by the sector officer. They were investigated and no discrepancy was found in them," he said. The Delhi assembly elections concluded on Saturday evening. The exit polls have predicted the AAP will win a two-thirds majority with some giving it a three-fourth majority in the 70-member assembly.

Delhi polls: 21 centres set up for counting of votes on Feb 11, says Delhi CEO

Iran launched a domestically made satellite on Sunday but it failed to reach orbit, a defence ministry official said.

"It was launched with success and ... we have reached most our aims ... but the "Zafar" satellite did not reach orbit as planned," the official told state television.

The launch was the latest in a programme which the United States says helps Tehran advance its ballistic missile technology. Tehran denies that its aerospace programme is a cover for missile development.

On Sunday, Iran said it will launch a satellite as part of a fledgling programme the United States says is a cover for ballistic missile development.

"The Zafar satellite will be placed in orbit today from Semnan at a speed of 7,400 kilometers," Iranian Minister of Information and Communications Technology Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi had said, according to the official IRIB news agency.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zafar-satellite-did-not-reach-orbit-as-planned-iranian-defence-ministry-279606">Iran unveils ballistic missile, 'new generation' engines</a>

Iran carried out at least two failed satellite launches last year.

The United States says it is concerned that long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit could also be used to launch nuclear warheads. Tehran denies that satellite activity is a cover for missile development and says it has never pursued the development of nuclear weapons.

President Donald Trump's administration reimposed sanctions on Iran following Washington’s 2018 withdrawal from an international accord designed to curb Iran’s nuclear program.

Trump said the nuclear deal did not go far enough and did not include restrictions on Tehran’s missile program.

Tensions, already high over the nuclear issue, reached the highest level in decades between Iran and the United States after Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad on Jan. 3. Iran retaliated with a missile attack against a U.S. base in Iraq.

Once the satellite is in orbit, the first picture that it will transmit will be of Soleimani, minister Azari-Jahromi hoped on Sunday.

Iran launched its first satellite Omid (Hope) in 2009 and the Rasad (Observation) satellite was sent into orbit in June 2011. Tehran said in 2012 that it had successfully put its third domestically-made satellite Navid (Promise) into orbit.

Iran launched a domestically made satellite on Sunday but it failed to reach orbit, a defence ministry official said. "It was launched with success and ... we have reached most our aims .

Iran launched a domestically made satellite on Sunday but it failed to reach orbit, a defence ministry official said. "It was launched with success and ... we have reached most our aims ... but the "Zafar" satellite did not reach orbit as planned," the official told state television. The launch was the latest in a programme which the United States says helps Tehran advance its ballistic missile technology. Tehran denies that its aerospace programme is a cover for missile development. On Sunday, Iran said it will launch a satellite as part of a fledgling programme the United States says is a cover for ballistic missile development. "The Zafar satellite will be placed in orbit today from Semnan at a speed of 7,400 kilometers," Iranian Minister of Information and Communications Technology Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi had said, according to the official IRIB news agency. Also read: Iran unveils ballistic missile, 'new generation' engines Iran carried out at least two failed satellite launches last year. The United States says it is concerned that long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit could also be used to launch nuclear warheads. Tehran denies that satellite activity is a cover for missile development and says it has never pursued the development of nuclear weapons. President Donald Trump's administration reimposed sanctions on Iran following Washington’s 2018 withdrawal from an international accord designed to curb Iran’s nuclear program. Trump said the nuclear deal did not go far enough and did not include restrictions on Tehran’s missile program. Tensions, already high over the nuclear issue, reached the highest level in decades between Iran and the United States after Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad on Jan. 3. Iran retaliated with a missile attack against a U.S. base in Iraq. Once the satellite is in orbit, the first picture that it will transmit will be of Soleimani, minister Azari-Jahromi hoped on Sunday. Iran launched its first satellite Omid (Hope) in 2009 and the Rasad (Observation) satellite was sent into orbit in June 2011. Tehran said in 2012 that it had successfully put its third domestically-made satellite Navid (Promise) into orbit.

'Zafar' satellite did not reach orbit as planned: Iranian defence ministry

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sparshita

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.