Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-launches-fit-india-movement-on-national-sports-day-246360">Fit India movement as part of the National Sports Day celebrations</a>. But the question remains, how fit the country is?&nbsp;

While India's obesity rate has been on the rise, cases of cancer are also growing at an alarming rate. Here's a report on India's health index as we break down the numbers for you.&nbsp;

India's health

A report on India's health situation shows an increasingly obese population, especially in the cities. The number of overweight men and women in the cities has grown in the last decade, also indicating that the richest have the poorest health whereas the middle-aged are the worst hit.&nbsp;

It is also revealed that women are more likely to be overweight or obese than men after the age of 30.&nbsp;

Not surprisingly, the metros have a higher share of overweight men and women than the national average. Mumbai comes out as the worst performer on the national health index, followed by Chennai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.

Globally, India ranks 120th in a list of 169 nations as per a 2019 healthiest country index.

Our neighbours China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal continue to be healthier. Spain has emerged as the world’s healthiest nation.&nbsp;

What's ailing India?&nbsp;

Diabetes, hypertension, cancer, cardiovascular diseases are some of the leading lifestyle diseases plaguing the Indian population. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, more Indians are now dying due of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). &nbsp;

National Family Health survey reveals 11 per cent Indian women and 15 per cent Indian men have high blood pressure with over 60 per cent of those surveyed who had never got their blood pressure tested.&nbsp;

The number of cancer patients and deaths due to cancer have increased in the last 5 years. Over 7 crore people in India are likely to suffer from cancer by 2021.

Central government's Fit India movement is a multi-ministry effort introducing basic fitness practices in the daily lives of Indians - a majority of who lack access to sports or fitness infrastructure in their neighbourhoods.

PM Modi said that due to advancing technology, physical activity has reduced, hence, this movement was the need of the hour.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the Fit India movement as part of the National Sports Day celebrations. But the question remains, how fit the country is?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the Fit India movement as part of the National Sports Day celebrations. But the question remains, how fit the country is? While India's obesity rate has been on the rise, cases of cancer are also growing at an alarming rate. Here's a report on India's health index as we break down the numbers for you. India's health A report on India's health situation shows an increasingly obese population, especially in the cities. The number of overweight men and women in the cities has grown in the last decade, also indicating that the richest have the poorest health whereas the middle-aged are the worst hit. It is also revealed that women are more likely to be overweight or obese than men after the age of 30. Not surprisingly, the metros have a higher share of overweight men and women than the national average. Mumbai comes out as the worst performer on the national health index, followed by Chennai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Globally, India ranks 120th in a list of 169 nations as per a 2019 healthiest country index. Our neighbours China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal continue to be healthier. Spain has emerged as the world’s healthiest nation. What's ailing India? Diabetes, hypertension, cancer, cardiovascular diseases are some of the leading lifestyle diseases plaguing the Indian population. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, more Indians are now dying due of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). National Family Health survey reveals 11 per cent Indian women and 15 per cent Indian men have high blood pressure with over 60 per cent of those surveyed who had never got their blood pressure tested. The number of cancer patients and deaths due to cancer have increased in the last 5 years. Over 7 crore people in India are likely to suffer from cancer by 2021. Central government's Fit India movement is a multi-ministry effort introducing basic fitness practices in the daily lives of Indians - a majority of who lack access to sports or fitness infrastructure in their neighbourhoods. PM Modi said that due to advancing technology, physical activity has reduced, hence, this movement was the need of the hour.

Fit India movement: Where does India stand on health index? 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-recruiting-spies-overseas-through-linkedin-report-246294">China</a> and the United States are discussing the next round of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-says-china-wants-to-negotiate-over-trade-war-245660">face-to-face trade talks</a> scheduled in September, but hopes for progress hinge on whether Washington can create favourable conditions, China's commerce ministry said on Thursday.

In the latest tit-for-tat escalation of the trade war between the world's two largest economies, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump last Friday said he would heap an additional duty of 5 per cent on about $550 billion in targeted Chinese goods.

The move came hours after China had unveiled retaliatory tariffs on $75-billion worth of US&nbsp;goods.

China hopes the United States can cancel the planned additional tariffs to avoid an escalation in the trade war, its commerce ministry spokesman, Gao Feng, told reporters on Thursday.

"The most important thing at the moment is to create necessary conditions for both sides to continue negotiations," he said during a weekly briefing, adding that China was lodging "solemn representation" with the United States.

For two years, the Trump administration has sought to pressure China to eliminate what it calls unfair trade practices and make sweeping changes to its policies on intellectual property protection, forced transfers of technology to Chinese firms, industrial subsidies and market access.

But China has constantly denied such accusations, vowing to fight back in kind and criticizing US&nbsp;measures as protectionist.

Gao said China had "ample" countermeasures to retaliate against the planned US&nbsp;tariffs, but talks in the current circumstances should focus on whether the tariffs could be cancelled.

He did not answer directly when asked if his remarks suggested China would not retaliate against the latest US&nbsp;tariff threat.

China has repeatedly said it would have no choice but to retaliate if the United States followed through on its threat.

On Monday, Trump predicted a trade deal with China, saying he believed it was sincere about wanting to reach a deal, citing what he called increasing economic pressure on Beijing and job losses there.

Trump cited as a positive sign comments by Vice Premier Liu He, who has been leading the talks with Washington, that China was willing to resolve the dispute through "calm" negotiations.

He repeated his assertion that Chinese officials had contacted US&nbsp;trade counterparts overnight, offering to resume negotiations, a statement that China declined to confirm.

Gao also declined to provide any detail when asked if there had been a call this week between Beijing and Washington.

"As far as I know, both trade teams have maintained effective communication," he said.

In July 2018, the US-China trade dispute boiled over in tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of each other's goods and threatens to engulf all trade between the countries, putting global growth at risk.

"We hope the United States will show sincerity and concrete actions," Gao said.

China and the United States are discussing the next round of face-to-face trade talks scheduled in September, but hopes for progress hinge on whether Washington can create favourable conditions, China's commerce ministry said on Thursday.

China and the United States are discussing the next round of face-to-face trade talks scheduled in September, but hopes for progress hinge on whether Washington can create favourable conditions, China's commerce ministry said on Thursday. In the latest tit-for-tat escalation of the trade war between the world's two largest economies, US President Donald Trump last Friday said he would heap an additional duty of 5 per cent on about $550 billion in targeted Chinese goods. The move came hours after China had unveiled retaliatory tariffs on $75-billion worth of US goods. China hopes the United States can cancel the planned additional tariffs to avoid an escalation in the trade war, its commerce ministry spokesman, Gao Feng, told reporters on Thursday. "The most important thing at the moment is to create necessary conditions for both sides to continue negotiations," he said during a weekly briefing, adding that China was lodging "solemn representation" with the United States. For two years, the Trump administration has sought to pressure China to eliminate what it calls unfair trade practices and make sweeping changes to its policies on intellectual property protection, forced transfers of technology to Chinese firms, industrial subsidies and market access. But China has constantly denied such accusations, vowing to fight back in kind and criticizing US measures as protectionist. Gao said China had "ample" countermeasures to retaliate against the planned US tariffs, but talks in the current circumstances should focus on whether the tariffs could be cancelled. He did not answer directly when asked if his remarks suggested China would not retaliate against the latest US tariff threat. China has repeatedly said it would have no choice but to retaliate if the United States followed through on its threat. On Monday, Trump predicted a trade deal with China, saying he believed it was sincere about wanting to reach a deal, citing what he called increasing economic pressure on Beijing and job losses there. Trump cited as a positive sign comments by Vice Premier Liu He, who has been leading the talks with Washington, that China was willing to resolve the dispute through "calm" negotiations. He repeated his assertion that Chinese officials had contacted US trade counterparts overnight, offering to resume negotiations, a statement that China declined to confirm. Gao also declined to provide any detail when asked if there had been a call this week between Beijing and Washington. "As far as I know, both trade teams have maintained effective communication," he said. In July 2018, the US-China trade dispute boiled over in tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of each other's goods and threatens to engulf all trade between the countries, putting global growth at risk. "We hope the United States will show sincerity and concrete actions," Gao said.

China hopes US will create conditions necessary for September trade talks

President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday conferred the National Sports Awards on sportspersons and coaches at here on the occasion of National Sports Day.

Para-athlete Deepa Malik was conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, the highest sports honour in the country.

The President also conferred Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, Dhyan Chand Award, and Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar on several sportspersons and coaches for their contribution to the field of sports.

Footballer Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, hockey player Chinglensana Kangujam, sprinter Mohammed Anas, heptathlete Swapna Barman and shooter Anjum Moudgil were some of the sportspersons who received the Arjuna Award.

Among the coaches who received the Dronacharya Award were Ranbir Singh Khokar (kabaddi), Sanjay Bhardwaj (cricket) Mezban Patel (hockey), Sandeep Gupta (table tennis), and Vimal Kumar (badminton).&nbsp;

President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday conferred the National Sports Awards on sportspersons and coaches at here on the occasion of National Sports Day. Para-athlete Deepa Malik was conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, the highest sports honour in the country.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday conferred the National Sports Awards on sportspersons and coaches at here on the occasion of National Sports Day. Para-athlete Deepa Malik was conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, the highest sports honour in the country. The President also conferred Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, Dhyan Chand Award, and Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar on several sportspersons and coaches for their contribution to the field of sports. Footballer Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, hockey player Chinglensana Kangujam, sprinter Mohammed Anas, heptathlete Swapna Barman and shooter Anjum Moudgil were some of the sportspersons who received the Arjuna Award. Among the coaches who received the Dronacharya Award were Ranbir Singh Khokar (kabaddi), Sanjay Bhardwaj (cricket) Mezban Patel (hockey), Sandeep Gupta (table tennis), and Vimal Kumar (badminton).

President Kovind felicitate sportspersons with National Sports Awards

A Delhi court on Thursday reserved its order on the regular bail plea of Christian Michel, alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

Hearing the matter, Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar said the order will be passed on September 7.

Special Public Prosecutor D P Singh, while opposing the bail plea, argued that investigation is underway.

"It is already given to the court and we couldn't reach the figure of 600 hours even after including the time he took for sleeping and going to the doctor. He was brought to India after extradition proceedings and is in custody thereafter. It is a case of corruption in international transaction," Singh said.

On Wednesday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed Michel's regular bail plea.

The agencies told the court through a reply copy that it will file a supplementary charge sheet in the case since sufficient evidence attributing criminality against other public servants and private persons has surfaced during the ongoing probe.

The central probe agencie have said in the past that the British national is a high flight risk and can flee the country. They have argued that bail should not be given on medical grounds because adequate facilities are provided at Tihar Jail.

The alleged middleman was extradited from Dubai last year and is lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged irregularities in the chopper deal.

While the CBI is probing his alleged role as a "middleman" in the Rs 3,600-crore deal, the ED is investigating money laundering charges against him.&nbsp;

A Delhi court on Thursday reserved its order on the regular bail plea of Christian Michel, alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

A Delhi court on Thursday reserved its order on the regular bail plea of Christian Michel, alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. Hearing the matter, Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar said the order will be passed on September 7. Special Public Prosecutor D P Singh, while opposing the bail plea, argued that investigation is underway. "It is already given to the court and we couldn't reach the figure of 600 hours even after including the time he took for sleeping and going to the doctor. He was brought to India after extradition proceedings and is in custody thereafter. It is a case of corruption in international transaction," Singh said. On Wednesday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed Michel's regular bail plea. The agencies told the court through a reply copy that it will file a supplementary charge sheet in the case since sufficient evidence attributing criminality against other public servants and private persons has surfaced during the ongoing probe. The central probe agencie have said in the past that the British national is a high flight risk and can flee the country. They have argued that bail should not be given on medical grounds because adequate facilities are provided at Tihar Jail. The alleged middleman was extradited from Dubai last year and is lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged irregularities in the chopper deal. While the CBI is probing his alleged role as a "middleman" in the Rs 3,600-crore deal, the ED is investigating money laundering charges against him.

AgustaWestland case: Delhi court reserves order on Christian Michel's bail plea

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fixing-weak-growth-is-highest-priority-rbi-policy-minutes-244660">Reserve Bank of India</a> on Thursday released its annual report wherein it stated that the number of frauds reported by banks has shot up by 15 per cent in the financial 2018-19 on a year-on-year basis.&nbsp;

The amount involved in such frauds rose by 73.8 per cent, though mostly related to occurrences in earlier years.&nbsp;The banking sector reported 6,801 frauds involving Rs 71,542.93 crore in the financial year 2018-19 as opposed to 5,916 cases involving Rs 41,167.04 crore reported in the previous financial year.

"The average lag between the date of occurrence and its detection by banks was 22 months," while the "average lag for large frauds, i.e. Rs 1 billion and above, amounting to Rs 522 billion reported during 2018-19, was 55 months," the top bank stated in its report which was uploaded on its website.&nbsp;

The bulk of frauds reported in 2018-19 come from bank groups PSBs that constitute the largest market share in bank lending, followed by private sector banks and foreign banks.&nbsp;

"The Reserve Bank would coordinate with various agencies including Ministry of Corporate Affairs to examine the feasibility of interlinking various databases and information systems to improve the system of fraud monitoring and take necessary corrective regulatory and supervisory action," it said.

The RBI, in its report, also enumerated ways to improve the fraud risk management framework for banks.

- It proposed to revise the master directions on frauds to incorporate new instructions in the light of experience gained.

- Conduct workshops on frauds for the bankers based on comprehensive reviews, to sensitise them on fraud prevention, prompt/ accurate reporting and follow up action.

- Create a more user-friendly fraud registry and improve the current system of fraud analytics.

The RBI also proposed to create a mechanism "for sharing of fraud-related information among UCBs on similar lines of CFR that is in place for commercial banks."

It said that the move will "enable the sharing of information on frauds in a timely and uniform manner across the sector".

The Reserve Bank of India on Thursday released its annual report wherein it stated that the number of frauds reported by banks has shot up by 15 per cent in the financial 2018-19 on a year-on-year basis.

The Reserve Bank of India on Thursday released its annual report wherein it stated that the number of frauds reported by banks has shot up by 15 per cent in the financial 2018-19 on a year-on-year basis. The amount involved in such frauds rose by 73.8 per cent, though mostly related to occurrences in earlier years. The banking sector reported 6,801 frauds involving Rs 71,542.93 crore in the financial year 2018-19 as opposed to 5,916 cases involving Rs 41,167.04 crore reported in the previous financial year. "The average lag between the date of occurrence and its detection by banks was 22 months," while the "average lag for large frauds, i.e. Rs 1 billion and above, amounting to Rs 522 billion reported during 2018-19, was 55 months," the top bank stated in its report which was uploaded on its website. The bulk of frauds reported in 2018-19 come from bank groups PSBs that constitute the largest market share in bank lending, followed by private sector banks and foreign banks. "The Reserve Bank would coordinate with various agencies including Ministry of Corporate Affairs to examine the feasibility of interlinking various databases and information systems to improve the system of fraud monitoring and take necessary corrective regulatory and supervisory action," it said. The RBI, in its report, also enumerated ways to improve the fraud risk management framework for banks. - It proposed to revise the master directions on frauds to incorporate new instructions in the light of experience gained. - Conduct workshops on frauds for the bankers based on comprehensive reviews, to sensitise them on fraud prevention, prompt/ accurate reporting and follow up action. - Create a more user-friendly fraud registry and improve the current system of fraud analytics. The RBI also proposed to create a mechanism "for sharing of fraud-related information among UCBs on similar lines of CFR that is in place for commercial banks." It said that the move will "enable the sharing of information on frauds in a timely and uniform manner across the sector".

Bank frauds climb 74% to Rs 71,543 Crore In FY19: RBI annual report

SBI Card &amp; Payments Services Ltd, the credit card subsidiary of State Bank of India (SBI), plans to raise about 80 billion Indian rupees ($1.12 billion) via an initial public offering this year, a senior SBI executive involved in the process said.

SBI has already tapped banks to run the IPO process and a listing is expected to happen in the last quarter of this financial year, bank officials have previously said.

"Roughly about an 8 per cent&nbsp;stake will be divested and after seeing the valuations and the inputs we are getting it would translate to 80 billion rupees," said the source directly involved in the process, who asked not to be named as the details are not public.

This would value the overall business at about 1 trillion rupees ($14 billion).&nbsp;

SBI and SBI Card did not immediately respond to requests for comment.&nbsp;

At the end of March 31, 2019, SBI Card, which is 74 per cent&nbsp;owned by SBI and 26 per cent by U.S private equity firm Carlyle Group, had total assets worth 195.93 billion rupees.

India's credit card market is still small compared to its debit card market. The latest regulatory data shows that there were 49.6 million credit cards in circulation in the country, compared with 836 million debit cards.&nbsp;

SBI Card is the second-largest credit card issuer in the country, with 8.8 million outstanding cards as of June 30. It only trails private lender HDFC Bank in terms of the number of cards issued.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, home-grown ride hailing company Ola had partnered with SBI Card to launch a co-branded credit card, allowing the company to expand its customer base.&nbsp;

SBI's management has been looking at selling its investment in non-core assets to raise capital.&nbsp;

SBI Card will be SBI's second subsidiary to be listed. In 2017, the bank's life insurance business SBI Life Insurance was listed in a 84 billion rupees IPO.&nbsp;

It was the biggest IPO after Coal India's in 2010.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

SBI Card & Payments Services Ltd, the credit card subsidiary of State Bank of India (SBI), plans to raise about 80 billion Indian rupees ($1.12 billion) via an initial public offering this year, a senior SBI executive involved in the process said.

SBI Card & Payments Services Ltd, the credit card subsidiary of State Bank of India (SBI), plans to raise about 80 billion Indian rupees ($1.12 billion) via an initial public offering this year, a senior SBI executive involved in the process said. SBI has already tapped banks to run the IPO process and a listing is expected to happen in the last quarter of this financial year, bank officials have previously said. "Roughly about an 8 per cent stake will be divested and after seeing the valuations and the inputs we are getting it would translate to 80 billion rupees," said the source directly involved in the process, who asked not to be named as the details are not public. This would value the overall business at about 1 trillion rupees ($14 billion). SBI and SBI Card did not immediately respond to requests for comment. At the end of March 31, 2019, SBI Card, which is 74 per cent owned by SBI and 26 per cent by U.S private equity firm Carlyle Group, had total assets worth 195.93 billion rupees. India's credit card market is still small compared to its debit card market. The latest regulatory data shows that there were 49.6 million credit cards in circulation in the country, compared with 836 million debit cards. SBI Card is the second-largest credit card issuer in the country, with 8.8 million outstanding cards as of June 30. It only trails private lender HDFC Bank in terms of the number of cards issued. Earlier this year, home-grown ride hailing company Ola had partnered with SBI Card to launch a co-branded credit card, allowing the company to expand its customer base. SBI's management has been looking at selling its investment in non-core assets to raise capital. SBI Card will be SBI's second subsidiary to be listed. In 2017, the bank's life insurance business SBI Life Insurance was listed in a 84 billion rupees IPO. It was the biggest IPO after Coal India's in 2010.

SBI's credit card business aims to raise $1.1 billion via IPO: Report

In a move likely to boost its dwindling fighter squadron strength, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-to-get-building-blaster-spice-2000-bombs-by-mid-september-246271">Indian Air Force</a> (IAF) is pushing a proposal for acquiring 33 new combat aircraft including 21 MiG-29s and 12 Sukhoi 30s.

A proposal in this regard by the IAF is likely to be taken up before a high-level meeting of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-has-no-local-standi-on-kashmir-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-246371">Defence Ministry</a> in the next few weeks, government sources told ANI.

The 12 Su-30 MKIs are being planned to be inducted for replacing the number of aircraft lost by the Air Force in different accidents, they said.

The 12 additional Sukhois will help the Indian Air Force to maintain its fleet of 272 Su-30MKI fighters.

India had placed orders for 272 Su-30 fighter jets over a period of 10-15 years in different batches and senior officers feel that the number of planes acquired so far would be enough for the service's heavy-weight aircraft requirement.

The 21 MiG 29s that the Indian Air Force is planning to acquire are from Russia which has offered to sell these planes to help the Air Force to meet its requirement of new fighters.

"As per plans, the MiG-29s on offer would be of the latest upgraded MiG-29s which are already in service with the IAF. The radars and other equipment on the planes would also be of the latest standards," the sources said.

The negotiations for the MiG-29s are at an advanced stage and the IAF is hoping to finalise the deal at the earliest possible, they said.

The Indian Air Force had carried out a study to check if the airframes of the MiG-29s on offer were good enough for it to operate for a long time.

MiG-29s are flown by the Air Force and the pilots are familiar with it but the ones offered by the Russians are different from the ones in the Indian inventory.

The Indian Navy also operates the MiG-29 'K'&nbsp;and is the only operator of this version of the plane and is having a rough experience with the planes which are difficult to maintain and their settings change immediately after they land on the aircraft carrier.

The Air Force has three squadrons of the MiG-29s which have been undergoing upgrades for extended life and are considered to be very good planes in the air defence roles.

In a move likely to boost its dwindling fighter squadron strength, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is pushing a proposal for acquiring 33 new combat aircraft including 21 MiG-29s and 12 Sukhoi 30s.

In a move likely to boost its dwindling fighter squadron strength, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is pushing a proposal for acquiring 33 new combat aircraft including 21 MiG-29s and 12 Sukhoi 30s. A proposal in this regard by the IAF is likely to be taken up before a high-level meeting of the Defence Ministry in the next few weeks, government sources told ANI. The 12 Su-30 MKIs are being planned to be inducted for replacing the number of aircraft lost by the Air Force in different accidents, they said. The 12 additional Sukhois will help the Indian Air Force to maintain its fleet of 272 Su-30MKI fighters. India had placed orders for 272 Su-30 fighter jets over a period of 10-15 years in different batches and senior officers feel that the number of planes acquired so far would be enough for the service's heavy-weight aircraft requirement. The 21 MiG 29s that the Indian Air Force is planning to acquire are from Russia which has offered to sell these planes to help the Air Force to meet its requirement of new fighters. "As per plans, the MiG-29s on offer would be of the latest upgraded MiG-29s which are already in service with the IAF. The radars and other equipment on the planes would also be of the latest standards," the sources said. The negotiations for the MiG-29s are at an advanced stage and the IAF is hoping to finalise the deal at the earliest possible, they said. The Indian Air Force had carried out a study to check if the airframes of the MiG-29s on offer were good enough for it to operate for a long time. MiG-29s are flown by the Air Force and the pilots are familiar with it but the ones offered by the Russians are different from the ones in the Indian inventory. The Indian Navy also operates the MiG-29 'K' and is the only operator of this version of the plane and is having a rough experience with the planes which are difficult to maintain and their settings change immediately after they land on the aircraft carrier. The Air Force has three squadrons of the MiG-29s which have been undergoing upgrades for extended life and are considered to be very good planes in the air defence roles.

Indian Air Force plans to buy 33 MiG-29, Sukhoi 30 fighter jets

Bharatiya Janata Party will be organising a week-long 'Seva Saptah'&nbsp;or Service Week in mid-September to mark the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday on September 17.

The campaign will be held from September 14 to September 20 across the country and different programmes related to cleanliness and social service will be organised by the party workers.

To make the initiative a grand success, BJP has constituted a central committee with party leader Avinash Rai Khanna being appointed as its convenor.

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and national secretaries Sudha Yadav and Sunil Deodhar are also part of the committee.

As part of the campaign, BJP workers will also organise blood donation camps, health camps and eye check-up.

They will also visit hospitals and orphanages to provide help and relief to patients and underprivileged.

BJP leaders will also facilitate education assistance for hundreds of specially-abled people during the campaign.

During the week-long campaign, books inspired by the life and achievements of Prime Minister Modi will be sent to state unites, where senior leaders of the party will distribute them personally during different events.

Exhibitions highlighting life and achievements of the prime minister will be organised across the country.

Keeping in mind Prime Minister's call for launching a mass movement against single-use plastic, all party leaders including MPs, MLAs will run a campaign against the use of single-use plastic in different universities.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party will be organising a week-long 'Seva Saptah' or Service Week in mid-September to mark the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday on September 17.

Bharatiya Janata Party will be organising a week-long 'Seva Saptah' or Service Week in mid-September to mark the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday on September 17. The campaign will be held from September 14 to September 20 across the country and different programmes related to cleanliness and social service will be organised by the party workers. To make the initiative a grand success, BJP has constituted a central committee with party leader Avinash Rai Khanna being appointed as its convenor. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and national secretaries Sudha Yadav and Sunil Deodhar are also part of the committee. As part of the campaign, BJP workers will also organise blood donation camps, health camps and eye check-up. They will also visit hospitals and orphanages to provide help and relief to patients and underprivileged. BJP leaders will also facilitate education assistance for hundreds of specially-abled people during the campaign. During the week-long campaign, books inspired by the life and achievements of Prime Minister Modi will be sent to state unites, where senior leaders of the party will distribute them personally during different events. Exhibitions highlighting life and achievements of the prime minister will be organised across the country. Keeping in mind Prime Minister's call for launching a mass movement against single-use plastic, all party leaders including MPs, MLAs will run a campaign against the use of single-use plastic in different universities.

BJP to organise 'Seva Saptah' next month to mark PM Modi's birthday

Sleuths of National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at five locations linked to alleged ISIS sympathisers on Thursday.

Raids were conducted at the residences of Umar Farooq in GM Nagar, Shanofar Ali at Vincent Road, Shamesa Mubin at Slum Clearance Board Apartment, Vincent Road, Mohammad Yasir at Bilal Estate and Saddam Hussain at Palli Street, GM Nagar.

All five are being questioned. Laptops, mobile phones, SIM cards, and pen-drives have been seized. Further information is awaited&nbsp;

Sleuths of National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at five locations linked to alleged ISIS sympathisers on Thursday. Raids were conducted at the residences of Umar Farooq in GM Nagar, Shanofar Ali at Vincent Road, Shamesa Mubin at Slum Clearance Board Apartment, Vincent Road, Mohammad Yasir at Bilal Estate and Saddam Hussain at Palli Street, GM Nagar.

Sleuths of National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at five locations linked to alleged ISIS sympathisers on Thursday. Raids were conducted at the residences of Umar Farooq in GM Nagar, Shanofar Ali at Vincent Road, Shamesa Mubin at Slum Clearance Board Apartment, Vincent Road, Mohammad Yasir at Bilal Estate and Saddam Hussain at Palli Street, GM Nagar. All five are being questioned. Laptops, mobile phones, SIM cards, and pen-drives have been seized. Further information is awaited

Coimbatore: NIA conducts raids at locations linked to ISIS sympathisers

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Thursday said body scanners should be made mandatory at all major airports within a year.

It also informed that body scanners will be made mandatory at all the other airports in two years.

A full-body scanner is a device used to scan an individual's body for security, screening purposes, without making physical contact.

The technology helps in seeing an alternate wavelength image of a person`s body to detect any suspicious items.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Thursday said body scanners should be made mandatory at all major airports within a year. It also informed that body scanners will be made mandatory at all the other airports in two years.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Thursday said body scanners should be made mandatory at all major airports within a year. It also informed that body scanners will be made mandatory at all the other airports in two years. A full-body scanner is a device used to scan an individual's body for security, screening purposes, without making physical contact. The technology helps in seeing an alternate wavelength image of a person`s body to detect any suspicious items.

Body scanners to be made mandatory at all airports in 2 years

Adequate security arrangements have been made in Assam ahead of the publication of the final list of the government's National Register of Citizens (NRC).

As per the orders of Supreme Court, the final NRC list is scheduled to be published on August, 31.

"Ahead of NRC's final list release, we have taken care of all the security arrangements. Police and other security forces have also been briefed about the arrangements.

Superintendents of Police in all districts have sensitized police personnel in order to assure proper security arrangements," Kuladhar Saikia, Director General of Police (DGP), Assam told ANI on Thursday.

"We hope that the citizens of Assam will support the legal process and I believe this entire process will be completed peacefully," Saikia added.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had urged the people to not believe in rumours related to the final publication of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam on August 31.

The ministry reiterated that non-inclusion of a person's name in NRC does not amount to his or her being declared a foreigner.

"Every individual left out from final NRC can appeal to Foreigners Tribunals (FTs), an increased number of which are being established," the spokesperson of Home Ministry had tweeted.

Posting guidelines for those who have been left out of the final list, the spokesperson said that time limit for filing appeals in FTs has been increased from 60 to 120 days.

NRC is a register containing names of Indian citizens, which was prepared for the only time in 1951. It is being updated for Assam as of now to weed out illegal immigrants. Last month, the Supreme Court had extended the deadline for the final publication of NRC from July 31 to August 31. It had rejected a plea to extend the NRC deadline for sample verification.&nbsp;

Adequate security arrangements have been made in Assam ahead of the publication of the final list of the government's National Register of Citizens (NRC). As per the orders of Supreme Court, the final NRC list is scheduled to be published on August, 31.

Adequate security arrangements have been made in Assam ahead of the publication of the final list of the government's National Register of Citizens (NRC). As per the orders of Supreme Court, the final NRC list is scheduled to be published on August, 31. "Ahead of NRC's final list release, we have taken care of all the security arrangements. Police and other security forces have also been briefed about the arrangements. Superintendents of Police in all districts have sensitized police personnel in order to assure proper security arrangements," Kuladhar Saikia, Director General of Police (DGP), Assam told ANI on Thursday. "We hope that the citizens of Assam will support the legal process and I believe this entire process will be completed peacefully," Saikia added. Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had urged the people to not believe in rumours related to the final publication of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam on August 31. The ministry reiterated that non-inclusion of a person's name in NRC does not amount to his or her being declared a foreigner. "Every individual left out from final NRC can appeal to Foreigners Tribunals (FTs), an increased number of which are being established," the spokesperson of Home Ministry had tweeted. Posting guidelines for those who have been left out of the final list, the spokesperson said that time limit for filing appeals in FTs has been increased from 60 to 120 days. NRC is a register containing names of Indian citizens, which was prepared for the only time in 1951. It is being updated for Assam as of now to weed out illegal immigrants. Last month, the Supreme Court had extended the deadline for the final publication of NRC from July 31 to August 31. It had rejected a plea to extend the NRC deadline for sample verification.

Security beefed up in Assam ahead of NRC final list on August 31

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday told the Supreme Court that custodial interrogation of senior Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-supreme-court-reserves-order-on-chidambarams-anticipatory-bail-plea-for-september-5-extends-interim-protection-from-ed-arrest-246406">P Chidambaram in the INX media case</a> is required as if his plea for anticipatory bail is given it would affect cases involving Vijay Mallya, Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi and Zakir Naik.

Disputing the contention of Chidambaram's lawyers, the agency also argued that the offence of money laundering is against the society, nation and the economy.

"Money laundering is an offence against society, nation and economy. Economic offences are gravest offences irrespective of quantum of sentence," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the probe agency told a Bench of Justice R Banumathi and Justice AS Bopanna.

Countering the arguments of Chidambaram's advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi that Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) offences with seven years of punishment is not a grave offence because as per the Code of Criminal Procedure grave offences entail death penalty and life, Mehta said money laundering offences are "grave".

"Chidambaram's counsels have argued that gravity of an offence is subjective. PMLA offences may not be grave for them but the Courts have consistently held that economic offences are grave in nature. Gravity is a relative concept. Quantum of punishment is not relevant. What's important is what will be the impact of your offence in society. Money laundering is an offence against the society, nation and economy. Economic offences are gravest offences irrespective of quantum of sentence," Mehta said.

The top court was hearing Chidambaram's plea against Delhi High Court's order denying anticipatory bail to him in a case being probed by the ED.

Mehta also objected to the proposition made by Chidambaram's counsel Kapil Sibal to confront him with evidence before presenting it in the court, saying it is "absurd" and would have "devastating results" and is "preposterous".

Whether the accused's reply was evasive or not is decided by investigating agency and not by the court, he added.

He said the ED has been investigating various sensitive and high profile cases under PMLA and if Chidambaram's plea is accepted it would affect cases against Vijay Mallya, Mehul Choksi, Neerav Modi, Zakir Naik, Sarada chit fund, terror funding and other cases.

Mehta also contended that if accused at large is confronted with the evidence collected, then the agency will have exposed its evidence and witnesses and it will give a chance to the accused to tamper with evidence and erase the money trail.

"The investigating agency has absolute discretion to what extent to reveal the evidence to the accused. It is best to confront the accused with evidence when he is in custody," Mehta told the court, adding that investigation is an art where the agency brings the accused to divulge details and not a mere question and answer format or an interview.

During the hearing, Mehta said if given an anticipatory bail, Chidambaram may erase the money trail, influence the witnesses and tamper with evidence.

"It's impossible to investigate when he's armed with anticipatory bail. It's ED's right and duty to unearth the truth. It would be difficult for the ED to catch him if he is under a protective umbrella and best way to elicit truth is when an accused is not under a protective umbrella," he said.

He also argued that the top court cannot be created as a regular court of appeal of the orders of the high courts, lower courts, and magistrate courts.

The apex court is "meant to lay down the law", Mehta said during the course of the proceedings in the High Court, a note was filed and it was examined by the Judge, adding that in the judgment it is said twice that the records have been examined to arrive at the conclusion.

"We are showing a document of evidence and they are saying don't show it to court before showing it to me. I want the court to look the material in my possession, including the statement of the accused, I have nothing to hide. I would insist that Court must look into the material available so that there is no iota of doubt about the material is cogent or not," Mehta said while concluding his arguments and added that he has documents in a sealed cover if the top court wanted to see.

In 2017, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered an FIR alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance was given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister.

Following the FIR filed by CBI, ED had filed a case of money laundering against him.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday told the Supreme Court that custodial interrogation of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram in the INX media case is required as if his plea for anticipatory bail is given it would affect cases involving Vijay Mallya, Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi and Zakir Naik.

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday told the Supreme Court that custodial interrogation of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram in the INX media case is required as if his plea for anticipatory bail is given it would affect cases involving Vijay Mallya, Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi and Zakir Naik. Disputing the contention of Chidambaram's lawyers, the agency also argued that the offence of money laundering is against the society, nation and the economy. "Money laundering is an offence against society, nation and economy. Economic offences are gravest offences irrespective of quantum of sentence," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the probe agency told a Bench of Justice R Banumathi and Justice AS Bopanna. Countering the arguments of Chidambaram's advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi that Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) offences with seven years of punishment is not a grave offence because as per the Code of Criminal Procedure grave offences entail death penalty and life, Mehta said money laundering offences are "grave". "Chidambaram's counsels have argued that gravity of an offence is subjective. PMLA offences may not be grave for them but the Courts have consistently held that economic offences are grave in nature. Gravity is a relative concept. Quantum of punishment is not relevant. What's important is what will be the impact of your offence in society. Money laundering is an offence against the society, nation and economy. Economic offences are gravest offences irrespective of quantum of sentence," Mehta said. The top court was hearing Chidambaram's plea against Delhi High Court's order denying anticipatory bail to him in a case being probed by the ED. Mehta also objected to the proposition made by Chidambaram's counsel Kapil Sibal to confront him with evidence before presenting it in the court, saying it is "absurd" and would have "devastating results" and is "preposterous". Whether the accused's reply was evasive or not is decided by investigating agency and not by the court, he added. He said the ED has been investigating various sensitive and high profile cases under PMLA and if Chidambaram's plea is accepted it would affect cases against Vijay Mallya, Mehul Choksi, Neerav Modi, Zakir Naik, Sarada chit fund, terror funding and other cases. Mehta also contended that if accused at large is confronted with the evidence collected, then the agency will have exposed its evidence and witnesses and it will give a chance to the accused to tamper with evidence and erase the money trail. "The investigating agency has absolute discretion to what extent to reveal the evidence to the accused. It is best to confront the accused with evidence when he is in custody," Mehta told the court, adding that investigation is an art where the agency brings the accused to divulge details and not a mere question and answer format or an interview. During the hearing, Mehta said if given an anticipatory bail, Chidambaram may erase the money trail, influence the witnesses and tamper with evidence. "It's impossible to investigate when he's armed with anticipatory bail. It's ED's right and duty to unearth the truth. It would be difficult for the ED to catch him if he is under a protective umbrella and best way to elicit truth is when an accused is not under a protective umbrella," he said. He also argued that the top court cannot be created as a regular court of appeal of the orders of the high courts, lower courts, and magistrate courts. The apex court is "meant to lay down the law", Mehta said during the course of the proceedings in the High Court, a note was filed and it was examined by the Judge, adding that in the judgment it is said twice that the records have been examined to arrive at the conclusion. "We are showing a document of evidence and they are saying don't show it to court before showing it to me. I want the court to look the material in my possession, including the statement of the accused, I have nothing to hide. I would insist that Court must look into the material available so that there is no iota of doubt about the material is cogent or not," Mehta said while concluding his arguments and added that he has documents in a sealed cover if the top court wanted to see. In 2017, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered an FIR alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance was given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister. Following the FIR filed by CBI, ED had filed a case of money laundering against him.

Bail to Chidambaram will affect cases of Mallya, Choksi, Nirav Modi: Enforcement Directorate

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