<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/seven-member-cbi-team-climbs-wall-to-arrest-chidambaram-at-his-residence-244683">Former finance minister P Chidambaram</a> reached the CBI court on Thursday afternoon. He arrived at the court from the CBI office. The court has begun hearing the matter of Chidambaram's bail plea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/p-chidambarams-arrest-son-karti-speaks-to-wion-calls-arrest-witch-hunt-244684">Chidambaram was arrested in the INX media</a> case on Wednesday night after he failed to get relief from the Supreme Court over CBI and ED's pursuit of him as the matter was not heard by the court despite repeated efforts of his lawyers.

Chidambaram's arrest became an intense political drama as CBI officials had to climb the wall of his residence to get inside his home.&nbsp;

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INX Media Case: P. Chidambaram produced in CBI court; hearing begins. <a href="https://t.co/0q8HjenRai">https://t.co/0q8HjenRai</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1164475447188643840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The CBI chief was part of the team that finally took the former finance minister into custody.&nbsp;

Chidambaram&nbsp;appeared at the Congress party headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday evening after being missing for over&nbsp;24 hours. Chidambaram addressed the media stating that he has "not been accused&nbsp;of any offence". "These are&nbsp;lies spread by pathological liars," he said.&nbsp;

Right after his nearly 6-minutes-long address, Chidambaram left for his residence without entertaining any questions. He was trailed by the CBI.&nbsp;

During his press briefing, Chidambaram said that he had been working throughout the night the day before yesterday "to prepare the papers"&nbsp;which his team submitted before the court on Wednesday.

"I was aghast that I was accused of hiding from the law while I was seeking protection from the law," he noted.

"I was told by my lawyers that despite their impassioned appeals, the hearing has been scheduled for Friday," Chidambaram said.&nbsp;

Former finance minister P&nbsp;Chidambaram's petition for interim protection from arrest&nbsp;will now be heard by the Supreme Court on Friday.

&nbsp;

Former finance minister P Chidambaram reached the CBI court on Thursday afternoon. He arrived at the court from the CBI office. The court has begun hearing the matter of Chidambaram's bail plea.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram reached the CBI court on Thursday afternoon. He arrived at the court from the CBI office. The court has begun hearing the matter of Chidambaram's bail plea. Chidambaram was arrested in the INX media case on Wednesday night after he failed to get relief from the Supreme Court over CBI and ED's pursuit of him as the matter was not heard by the court despite repeated efforts of his lawyers. Chidambaram's arrest became an intense political drama as CBI officials had to climb the wall of his residence to get inside his home. INX Media Case: P. Chidambaram produced in CBI court; hearing begins. https://t.co/0q8HjenRai — ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2019 × The CBI chief was part of the team that finally took the former finance minister into custody. Chidambaram appeared at the Congress party headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday evening after being missing for over 24 hours. Chidambaram addressed the media stating that he has "not been accused of any offence". "These are lies spread by pathological liars," he said. Right after his nearly 6-minutes-long address, Chidambaram left for his residence without entertaining any questions. He was trailed by the CBI. During his press briefing, Chidambaram said that he had been working throughout the night the day before yesterday "to prepare the papers" which his team submitted before the court on Wednesday. "I was aghast that I was accused of hiding from the law while I was seeking protection from the law," he noted. "I was told by my lawyers that despite their impassioned appeals, the hearing has been scheduled for Friday," Chidambaram said. Former finance minister P Chidambaram's petition for interim protection from arrest will now be heard by the Supreme Court on Friday.

INX media case: Chidambaram arrives at CBI court, hearing on bail plea begins

Two American service members were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the NATO press office said without elaborating.

The names of the US&nbsp;service members killed in action were being withheld until after their relatives were notified, in accordance with Pentagon policy, it said.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US&nbsp;military role in Afghanistan has basically turned into a "ridiculous" police force in a sign that he is open to a US&nbsp;troop drawdown there after 18 years of war.

Trump was briefed on Friday by top national security aides on a peace plan being negotiated by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-negotiator-zalmay-khalilzad-returning-to-doha-for-more-talks-244510">US&nbsp;envoy Zalmay Khalilzad</a> with leaders of the Afghanistan government and the Taliban.

"We're having good discussions. We'll see what happens. It's 18 years. We're not really fighting. We're almost a police force over there. We're not supposed to be a police force," he said.

Some 14,000 US&nbsp;troops remain engaged in America’s longest war, training and advising Afghan security forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations against militant groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State’s local affiliate.

A pullout has raised fears within the US&nbsp;military and among some lawmakers that Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of Taliban rule and give al Qaeda and other militants a sanctuary in which to expand and plot new attacks on US&nbsp;and allied targets.

Khalilzad was travelling on Tuesday to resume talks with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, "as part of an overall effort to facilitate a peace process that ends the conflict in Afghanistan," the State Department said in a statement.&nbsp;

Khalilzad will consult with leaders of the Afghan government in Kabul and encourage negotiations between the two sides, it said.

Two American service members were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the NATO press office said without elaborating. The names of the US service members killed in action were being withheld until after their relatives were notified, in accordance with Pentagon policy, it said.

Two American service members were killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the NATO press office said without elaborating. The names of the US service members killed in action were being withheld until after their relatives were notified, in accordance with Pentagon policy, it said. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US military role in Afghanistan has basically turned into a "ridiculous" police force in a sign that he is open to a US troop drawdown there after 18 years of war. Trump was briefed on Friday by top national security aides on a peace plan being negotiated by US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad with leaders of the Afghanistan government and the Taliban. "We're having good discussions. We'll see what happens. It's 18 years. We're not really fighting. We're almost a police force over there. We're not supposed to be a police force," he said. Some 14,000 US troops remain engaged in America’s longest war, training and advising Afghan security forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations against militant groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State’s local affiliate. A pullout has raised fears within the US military and among some lawmakers that Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of Taliban rule and give al Qaeda and other militants a sanctuary in which to expand and plot new attacks on US and allied targets. Khalilzad was travelling on Tuesday to resume talks with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, "as part of an overall effort to facilitate a peace process that ends the conflict in Afghanistan," the State Department said in a statement. Khalilzad will consult with leaders of the Afghan government in Kabul and encourage negotiations between the two sides, it said.

Two US service members killed in Afghanistan: NATO

Former finance minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/seven-member-cbi-team-climbs-wall-to-arrest-chidambaram-at-his-residence-244683">P Chidambaram</a>'s son and Member of Parliament Karti Chidambaram on Wednesday came out in his father's defence.&nbsp;

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Karti called his father's arrest a "witch hunt".&nbsp;Karti alleged political vendetta and said that there is "no case against my father".

"I completely disagree with this, tell me why has no charge sheet been filed?" Karti said.&nbsp;

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The drama and spectacle being enacted by the agencies is to simply sensationalise and satisfy the voyeuristic pleasure of some.
— Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) <a href="https://twitter.com/KartiPC/status/1164203322959527937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He slammed the probe agencies for creating a spectacle outside Chidambaram's Jor Bagh residence by sending over two dozens officials.&nbsp;

"Is my father an armed person? What was the need to send so many people? I don't understand what was the need for the officials to climb the wall," Karti stated.&nbsp;

Karti defended his father and called him the most "vehement critic of the government", adding that the fight will be on till the end.&nbsp;

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Shortly after former finance minister P Chidambaram reached his Jor Bagh residence in New Delhi, CBI officials trailed and arrested him on Wednesday evening. Chidambaram has been taken to the CBI headquarters for a probe. He will be produced before the court on Thursday.&nbsp;

A seven-member CBI team had to climb the wall, brave AICC supporters to get inside <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-bow-down-to-orders-of-supreme-court-says-chidambaram-at-congress-headquarters-refuses-committing-any-offence-244664">Chidambaram's residence</a>. The team was stalled by Congress supporters at the AICC headquarters as well. A team from the Enforcement Directorate also arrived at the spot.&nbsp;

CBI, ED teams entered Chidambaram's residence through the backdoor in presence of Delhi Police. High-octane drama at Chidambaram's residence, that lasted nearly an hour, resulted in his the arrest of the former finance minister who is accused in the INX media case.&nbsp;

P Chidambaram appeared at the Congress party headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday evening after being missing for nearly 24 hours. Chidambaram addressed the media stating that he has "not been accused of any offence". "These are lies spread by pathological liars," he said.&nbsp;

Chidambaram suffered a setback on Tuesday after Delhi High Court dismissed both his anticipatory bail pleas in connection with INX Media case.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram's son and Member of Parliament Karti Chidambaram on Wednesday came out in his father's defence. In an exclusive conversation with WION, Karti called his father's arrest a "witch hunt".

Former finance minister P Chidambaram's son and Member of Parliament Karti Chidambaram on Wednesday came out in his father's defence. In an exclusive conversation with WION, Karti called his father's arrest a "witch hunt". Karti alleged political vendetta and said that there is "no case against my father". "I completely disagree with this, tell me why has no charge sheet been filed?" Karti said. The drama and spectacle being enacted by the agencies is to simply sensationalise and satisfy the voyeuristic pleasure of some. — Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) August 21, 2019 × He slammed the probe agencies for creating a spectacle outside Chidambaram's Jor Bagh residence by sending over two dozens officials. "Is my father an armed person? What was the need to send so many people? I don't understand what was the need for the officials to climb the wall," Karti stated. Karti defended his father and called him the most "vehement critic of the government", adding that the fight will be on till the end. × Shortly after former finance minister P Chidambaram reached his Jor Bagh residence in New Delhi, CBI officials trailed and arrested him on Wednesday evening. Chidambaram has been taken to the CBI headquarters for a probe. He will be produced before the court on Thursday. A seven-member CBI team had to climb the wall, brave AICC supporters to get inside Chidambaram's residence. The team was stalled by Congress supporters at the AICC headquarters as well. A team from the Enforcement Directorate also arrived at the spot. CBI, ED teams entered Chidambaram's residence through the backdoor in presence of Delhi Police. High-octane drama at Chidambaram's residence, that lasted nearly an hour, resulted in his the arrest of the former finance minister who is accused in the INX media case. P Chidambaram appeared at the Congress party headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday evening after being missing for nearly 24 hours. Chidambaram addressed the media stating that he has "not been accused of any offence". "These are lies spread by pathological liars," he said. Chidambaram suffered a setback on Tuesday after Delhi High Court dismissed both his anticipatory bail pleas in connection with INX Media case.

Watch: Karti Chidambaram speaks to WION, calls father's arrest 'witch hunt' 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-train-zambian-armed-forces-pm-modi-244611">Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu</a>, during his bilateral meeting with PM Modi, said that Jammu and Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan.

His is the first African country to react to the current India-Pakistan tensions.

President Lungu is on a 3-day visit to India. India has announced that it will be training Zambian forces. This was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the press statements during the 3-day visit of President Lungu

"To increase the capacity of Zambian armed forces, Indian military and airforce training team will be station in Zambia," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.&nbsp;

India will also provide 100 solar irrigation pumps, 1,000 tons of rice and 100 tons of milk powder to the southern African country.

Lauding India's role in his country's development, Edgar Chagwa Lungu said,&nbsp;"India is an important and strategic partner in Zambia's enhanced quest for socio-economic development".

Zambian President's visit is the first for any head of the state from Africa ever since PM Modi took charge of his second term this May.&nbsp;

Earlier, Edgar Chagwa Lungu was honoured with the 'Guard of Honour' at Rashtrapati Bhavan and paid homage to 'father of the nation' Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

At the visitor's book at Rajghat Lungu said, "All said and done, only acknowledging the truth about past, present and future, can set us mankind free".

President Kovind had paid a visit to the southern African country in April 2018.&nbsp;Bilateral trade between India and&nbsp;Zambia&nbsp;stands at $830 million dollars with India importing copper from the country.&nbsp;

Zambia&nbsp;is the second-largest producer of copper in Africa with $5 billion investment. India is one of the leading investors in the country.

 
&nbsp;

Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, during his bilateral meeting with PM Modi, said that Jammu and Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. His is the first African country to react to the current India-Pakistan tensions.

Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, during his bilateral meeting with PM Modi, said that Jammu and Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. His is the first African country to react to the current India-Pakistan tensions. President Lungu is on a 3-day visit to India. India has announced that it will be training Zambian forces. This was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the press statements during the 3-day visit of President Lungu "To increase the capacity of Zambian armed forces, Indian military and airforce training team will be station in Zambia," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. India will also provide 100 solar irrigation pumps, 1,000 tons of rice and 100 tons of milk powder to the southern African country. Lauding India's role in his country's development, Edgar Chagwa Lungu said, "India is an important and strategic partner in Zambia's enhanced quest for socio-economic development". Zambian President's visit is the first for any head of the state from Africa ever since PM Modi took charge of his second term this May. Earlier, Edgar Chagwa Lungu was honoured with the 'Guard of Honour' at Rashtrapati Bhavan and paid homage to 'father of the nation' Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. At the visitor's book at Rajghat Lungu said, "All said and done, only acknowledging the truth about past, present and future, can set us mankind free". President Kovind had paid a visit to the southern African country in April 2018. Bilateral trade between India and Zambia stands at $830 million dollars with India importing copper from the country. Zambia is the second-largest producer of copper in Africa with $5 billion investment. India is one of the leading investors in the country.

Zambia becomes first African country to react on India-Pak tensions, calls Kashmir bilateral issue 

Former finance minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/p-chidambarams-plea-for-protection-against-arrest-to-be-heard-on-friday-244624">P Chidambaram</a>&nbsp;appeared at the Congress party headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday evening after being missing for nearly 24 hours. Chidambaram addressed the media stating that he has "not been accused&nbsp;of any offence". "These are&nbsp;lies spread by pathological liars," he said.&nbsp;

"I worked throughout the night yesterday to prepare the papers which we submitted today," Chidambaram told media.&nbsp;

"I was aghast that I was accused of hiding from the law while I was seeking protection from the law," he noted.

"I was told by my lawyers that despite their impassioned appeals, the hearing has been scheduled for Friday," Chidambaram said.&nbsp;

Chidambaram left right after his address and did not entertain any questions.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Congress leader P Chidambaram at AICC HQ says, "In INX Media case, I've not been accused of any offence nor any one else incl any member of my family. There is no charge sheet filed by either ED or CBI before a competent court." <a href="https://t.co/sIVltpVDIT">pic.twitter.com/sIVltpVDIT</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1164189780881694720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Former finance minister P Chidambaram's petition for interim protection from arrest will now be heard on Friday. &nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to list Chidambaram's petition for protection from arrest. Justice NV Ramana said that petition had defects, which were removed only now, because of which it could not be listed for hearing today.&nbsp;

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P Chidambaram: In last 24hrs much has happened,that has caused concern to some&amp;confusion to many. In INX Media case, I've not been accused of any offence nor any one else incl any member of my family. There is no charge sheet filed by either ED or CBI before a competent court. <a href="https://t.co/3T1b9tUh3C">pic.twitter.com/3T1b9tUh3C</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1164187854882426880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, a bench headed by senior-most judge Justice NV Ramana referred Chidambaram's plea to Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi.

CJI Gogoi, however, had commenced hearing in the Ayodhya dispute case due to which Chidambaram's counsel Kapil Sibal was unable to mention the matter before him for urgent hearing. After lunch, Sibal again mentioned the matter before Justice Ramana saying it had not been listed yet.

"We cannot hear the matter until its listing is not done," Ramana told senior advocate Kapil Sibal after his repeated requests to list the case.&nbsp;

"A lookout notice has been issued against him. He is not the man to run away. Our person is not running away. We can also give an undertaking for it," he said.

Chidambaram suffered a setback on Tuesday after Delhi High Court dismissed both his anticipatory bail pleas in connection with INX Media case.

Chidambaram is now vulnerable to an arrest and faces a lookout notice as he had been missing ever since teams of Enforcement Directorate and the CBI arrived at his Jor Bagh residence on Tuesday evening.

The CBI is investigating Chidambaram in the INX Media case, which it had registered on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in the FIPB clearance granted to the media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during his tenure as finance minister.

The ED is probing the money laundering case which it lodged in 2018.

The Delhi High Court said facts prima facie reveal that Chidambaram is the kingpin, the key conspirator, in the case. The high court observed that the magnitude and enormity of material brought forth by investigating agencies clearly does not entitle him any pre-arrest bail.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram appeared at the Congress party headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday evening after being missing for nearly 24 hours. Chidambaram addressed the media stating that he has "not been accused of any offence".

Former finance minister P Chidambaram appeared at the Congress party headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday evening after being missing for nearly 24 hours. Chidambaram addressed the media stating that he has "not been accused of any offence". "These are lies spread by pathological liars," he said. "I worked throughout the night yesterday to prepare the papers which we submitted today," Chidambaram told media. "I was aghast that I was accused of hiding from the law while I was seeking protection from the law," he noted. "I was told by my lawyers that despite their impassioned appeals, the hearing has been scheduled for Friday," Chidambaram said. Chidambaram left right after his address and did not entertain any questions. #WATCH Congress leader P Chidambaram at AICC HQ says, "In INX Media case, I've not been accused of any offence nor any one else incl any member of my family. There is no charge sheet filed by either ED or CBI before a competent court." pic.twitter.com/sIVltpVDIT — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2019 × Former finance minister P Chidambaram's petition for interim protection from arrest will now be heard on Friday. The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to list Chidambaram's petition for protection from arrest. Justice NV Ramana said that petition had defects, which were removed only now, because of which it could not be listed for hearing today. P Chidambaram: In last 24hrs much has happened,that has caused concern to some&confusion to many. In INX Media case, I've not been accused of any offence nor any one else incl any member of my family. There is no charge sheet filed by either ED or CBI before a competent court. pic.twitter.com/3T1b9tUh3C — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2019 × Earlier, a bench headed by senior-most judge Justice NV Ramana referred Chidambaram's plea to Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi. CJI Gogoi, however, had commenced hearing in the Ayodhya dispute case due to which Chidambaram's counsel Kapil Sibal was unable to mention the matter before him for urgent hearing. After lunch, Sibal again mentioned the matter before Justice Ramana saying it had not been listed yet. "We cannot hear the matter until its listing is not done," Ramana told senior advocate Kapil Sibal after his repeated requests to list the case. "A lookout notice has been issued against him. He is not the man to run away. Our person is not running away. We can also give an undertaking for it," he said. Chidambaram suffered a setback on Tuesday after Delhi High Court dismissed both his anticipatory bail pleas in connection with INX Media case. Chidambaram is now vulnerable to an arrest and faces a lookout notice as he had been missing ever since teams of Enforcement Directorate and the CBI arrived at his Jor Bagh residence on Tuesday evening. The CBI is investigating Chidambaram in the INX Media case, which it had registered on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in the FIPB clearance granted to the media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during his tenure as finance minister. The ED is probing the money laundering case which it lodged in 2018. The Delhi High Court said facts prima facie reveal that Chidambaram is the kingpin, the key conspirator, in the case. The high court observed that the magnitude and enormity of material brought forth by investigating agencies clearly does not entitle him any pre-arrest bail.

'I bow down to orders of Supreme Court,' says Chidambaram at Congress headquarters; refuses committing any offence

Parle Products Pvt Ltd, country's leading biscuit maker, might lay off up to 10,000 workers as slowing economic growth and falling demand in the rural heartland could cause production cuts, a company executive said on Wednesday.

A downturn in Asia's third-largest economy is denting sales of everything from cars to clothing, forcing companies to curtail production and raising hopes that the government will unveil an economic stimulus to revive growth.

A sharp drop in Parle's biscuit sales means the company may have to slash production, which may result in layoffs of 8,000-10,000 people, Mayank Shah, category head at Parle, said in a telephone interview from Mumbai.

"The situation is so bad, that if the government doesn't intervene immediately ... we may be forced to eliminate these positions," he said.

Parle, founded in 1929, employs about 100,000 people, including direct and contract workers across 10 company-owned facilities and 125 contract manufacturing plants.

Shah said demand for popular Parle biscuit brands such as Parle-G had been worsening since India rolled out a nationwide goods and services tax (GST) in 2017, which imposed a higher levy on biscuits costing as low as 5 rupees, or 7 cents a pack.

The higher taxes have forced Parle to offer fewer biscuits in each pack, hitting demand from lower-income consumers in rural India, which contributes more than half of Parle's revenue and where two-thirds of Indians live.

"Consumers here are extremely price-sensitive. They're extremely conscious of how many biscuits they are getting for a particular price," Shah said.

Parle, which has an annual revenue of above $1.4 billion, held talks over the past year with the government's GST council as well as former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, asking them to review tax rates, Shah added.

Once known as Parle Gluco, the Mumbai-headquartered company's flagship biscuit brand was renamed as Parle-G, and became a household name in India through the 1980s and 1990s. In 2003, Parle-G was considered the world's largest selling biscuit brand.

The slowdown in India's economic growth, which has already led to thousands of job losses in its crucial automotive industry, was accelerating the drop in demand, Shah said.

Market research firm Nielsen said last month India's consumer goods industry was losing steam as spending in the rural heartland cools and small manufacturers lose competitive advantages in a slowing economy.

Parle is not the only food product company to have flagged slowing demand.

Varun Berry, managing director of Britannia Industries Ltd, Parle's main competitor, said earlier this month that consumers were "thinking twice" about buying products worth just 5 rupees.

"Obviously, there is some serious issue in the economy," Berry had said on a conference call with analysts.

Shares in Britannia were down 1.5%, as of 0620 GMT, having fallen as much as 3.9% earlier on Wednesday.

Parle Products Pvt Ltd, country's leading biscuit maker, might lay off up to 10,000 workers as slowing economic growth and falling demand in the rural heartland could cause production cuts, a company executive said on Wednesday.

Parle Products Pvt Ltd, country's leading biscuit maker, might lay off up to 10,000 workers as slowing economic growth and falling demand in the rural heartland could cause production cuts, a company executive said on Wednesday. A downturn in Asia's third-largest economy is denting sales of everything from cars to clothing, forcing companies to curtail production and raising hopes that the government will unveil an economic stimulus to revive growth. A sharp drop in Parle's biscuit sales means the company may have to slash production, which may result in layoffs of 8,000-10,000 people, Mayank Shah, category head at Parle, said in a telephone interview from Mumbai. "The situation is so bad, that if the government doesn't intervene immediately ... we may be forced to eliminate these positions," he said. Parle, founded in 1929, employs about 100,000 people, including direct and contract workers across 10 company-owned facilities and 125 contract manufacturing plants. Shah said demand for popular Parle biscuit brands such as Parle-G had been worsening since India rolled out a nationwide goods and services tax (GST) in 2017, which imposed a higher levy on biscuits costing as low as 5 rupees, or 7 cents a pack. The higher taxes have forced Parle to offer fewer biscuits in each pack, hitting demand from lower-income consumers in rural India, which contributes more than half of Parle's revenue and where two-thirds of Indians live. "Consumers here are extremely price-sensitive. They're extremely conscious of how many biscuits they are getting for a particular price," Shah said. Parle, which has an annual revenue of above $1.4 billion, held talks over the past year with the government's GST council as well as former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, asking them to review tax rates, Shah added. Once known as Parle Gluco, the Mumbai-headquartered company's flagship biscuit brand was renamed as Parle-G, and became a household name in India through the 1980s and 1990s. In 2003, Parle-G was considered the world's largest selling biscuit brand. The slowdown in India's economic growth, which has already led to thousands of job losses in its crucial automotive industry, was accelerating the drop in demand, Shah said. Market research firm Nielsen said last month India's consumer goods industry was losing steam as spending in the rural heartland cools and small manufacturers lose competitive advantages in a slowing economy. Parle is not the only food product company to have flagged slowing demand. Varun Berry, managing director of Britannia Industries Ltd, Parle's main competitor, said earlier this month that consumers were "thinking twice" about buying products worth just 5 rupees. "Obviously, there is some serious issue in the economy," Berry had said on a conference call with analysts. Shares in Britannia were down 1.5%, as of 0620 GMT, having fallen as much as 3.9% earlier on Wednesday.

Parle may cut up to 10,000 jobs as slowdown bites

Former finance minister P Chidambaram's petition for interim protection from will now be heard on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to list former finance minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-immediate-relief-for-p-chidambaram-his-plea-against-arrest-referred-to-chief-justice-of-india-244564">P Chidambaram's petition for protection from arrest</a>. Justice NV Ramana said that petition had defects, which were removed only now, because of which it could not be listed for hearing today.&nbsp;

Earlier, a bench headed by senior-most judge Justice NV Ramana referred Chidambaram's plea to Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi.

CJI Gogoi, however, had commenced hearing in the Ayodhya dispute case due to which Chidambaram's counsel Kapil Sibal was unable to mention the matter before him for urgent hearing. After lunch, Sibal again mentioned the matter before Justice Ramana saying it had not been listed yet.

"We cannot hear the matter until its listing is not done," Ramana told senior advocate Kapil Sibal after his repeated requests to list the case.&nbsp;

"A lookout notice has been issued against him. He is not the man to run away. Our person is not running away. We can also give an undertaking for it," he said.

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INX Media case: Congress leader P Chidambaram’s (in file pic) lawyers Kapil Sibal, Salman Khurshid &amp; Vivek Tankha were present before the CJI Ranjan Gogoi’s Constitution Bench when the Ayodhya Bench was rising for the day, but did not mention urgent listing of interim bail case. <a href="https://t.co/8zvXTzUYvW">pic.twitter.com/8zvXTzUYvW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1164130480930865154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sibal said that the CJI will rise only at 4 pm which means the matter will not be heard today. Justice Ramana said that these things are usually done by the evening.

"We have done all that we could do. You have to wait."

Earlier in the day, CBI and ED filed caveats in the Supreme Court over Chidambaram's plea seeking protection from arrest in the INX media case.

With the caveat being filed, the apex court cannot pass any order on the former finance minister's plea without hearing the probe agencies.

Senior advocate and Congress leader Kapil Sibal is representing P Chidambaram who suffered a setback on Tuesday after Delhi High Court&nbsp;dismissed both&nbsp;his anticipatory bail pleas&nbsp;in connection with INX Media case.&nbsp;

Chidambaram is now <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-cbi-asks-p-chidambaram-to-appear-within-2-hours-244532">vulnerable to an arrest</a> and has been missing ever since a team of Enforcement Directorate and the CBI arrived at his Jor Bagh residence on Tuesday evening. A lookout notice against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/p-chidambaram-key-conspirator-in-inx-media-case-delhi-high-court-244471">Chidambaram</a> has been issued.&nbsp;

Watch: Delhi High Court denies anticipatory bail to Chidambaram

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/inx-media-case-delhi-hc-denies-anticipatory-bail-to-p-chidambaram-244402/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;The CBI is investigating Chidambaram in the INX Media case, which it had registered on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in the FIPB clearance granted to the media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during his tenure as finance minister.

The ED is probing the money laundering case which it lodged in 2018.

The Delhi High Court said facts prima facie reveal that Chidambaram is the kingpin, the key conspirator, in the case. The high court observed that the magnitude and enormity of material brought forth by investigating agencies clearly does not entitle him any pre-arrest bail.

(With inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

Former finance minister P Chidambaram's petition for interim protection from will now be heard on Friday. The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to list former finance minister P Chidambaram's petition for protection from arrest.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram's petition for interim protection from will now be heard on Friday. The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to list former finance minister P Chidambaram's petition for protection from arrest. Justice NV Ramana said that petition had defects, which were removed only now, because of which it could not be listed for hearing today. Earlier, a bench headed by senior-most judge Justice NV Ramana referred Chidambaram's plea to Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi. CJI Gogoi, however, had commenced hearing in the Ayodhya dispute case due to which Chidambaram's counsel Kapil Sibal was unable to mention the matter before him for urgent hearing. After lunch, Sibal again mentioned the matter before Justice Ramana saying it had not been listed yet. "We cannot hear the matter until its listing is not done," Ramana told senior advocate Kapil Sibal after his repeated requests to list the case. "A lookout notice has been issued against him. He is not the man to run away. Our person is not running away. We can also give an undertaking for it," he said. INX Media case: Congress leader P Chidambaram’s (in file pic) lawyers Kapil Sibal, Salman Khurshid & Vivek Tankha were present before the CJI Ranjan Gogoi’s Constitution Bench when the Ayodhya Bench was rising for the day, but did not mention urgent listing of interim bail case. pic.twitter.com/8zvXTzUYvW — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2019 × Sibal said that the CJI will rise only at 4 pm which means the matter will not be heard today. Justice Ramana said that these things are usually done by the evening. "We have done all that we could do. You have to wait." Earlier in the day, CBI and ED filed caveats in the Supreme Court over Chidambaram's plea seeking protection from arrest in the INX media case. With the caveat being filed, the apex court cannot pass any order on the former finance minister's plea without hearing the probe agencies. Senior advocate and Congress leader Kapil Sibal is representing P Chidambaram who suffered a setback on Tuesday after Delhi High Court dismissed both his anticipatory bail pleas in connection with INX Media case. Chidambaram is now vulnerable to an arrest and has been missing ever since a team of Enforcement Directorate and the CBI arrived at his Jor Bagh residence on Tuesday evening. A lookout notice against Chidambaram has been issued. Watch: Delhi High Court denies anticipatory bail to Chidambaram The CBI is investigating Chidambaram in the INX Media case, which it had registered on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in the FIPB clearance granted to the media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during his tenure as finance minister. The ED is probing the money laundering case which it lodged in 2018. The Delhi High Court said facts prima facie reveal that Chidambaram is the kingpin, the key conspirator, in the case. The high court observed that the magnitude and enormity of material brought forth by investigating agencies clearly does not entitle him any pre-arrest bail. (With inputs from ANI)

INX media case: Supreme Court to hear Chidambaram's plea for protection against arrest on Friday

Fixing India's weak growth has become the highest priority while a benign inflation outlook has given the central bank room to cut rates although transmission remains inadequate, monetary policy committee meeting minutes showed.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lowered its benchmark interest rates for a fourth straight meeting this month with a slightly bigger than expected cut, underscoring its worries about the near-five year low economic growth pace.

The six-member monetary policy committee (MPC) cut the repo rate by an unconventional 35 basis points (bps) to 5.40 per cent.

"Given the current and evolving inflation and growth scenario at this juncture, it can no longer be business as usual approach. The economy needs a larger push," Governor Shaktikanta Das said in the minutes, released on Wednesday.

Annual retail inflation in July was 3.15 per cent, down from an eight-month high of 3.18 per cent in June and staying below the central bank's 4 per&nbsp;medium-term target for a 12th straight month, raising expectations for a cut in October.

Last week, a Reuters poll predicted the RBI would ease its benchmark rate by 25 basis points again to 5.15 per cent&nbsp;at its October meeting, followed by a 15 basis point cut in the first quarter of 2020.

Since February, the RBI has cut the repo rate by a total 110 basis points (bps), but most Indian banks have not come close to the following suit.

"Under prevailing circumstances, the immediate transmission should be considered not so much in terms of the bank deposit and lending rates but more specific rates influencing new investments such as housing loans, vehicle loans and long term bonds," said one MPC member, Ravindra Dholakia.

Most members of the committee, however, felt rate transmission would be faster in the coming weeks and months aided by surplus liquidity in the banking system.

The RBI is also looking to get banks to link some new loans to its key policy rate or other external benchmarks, Das said on Monday, as he pushes them to cut rates faster to stimulate growth.

"While they are giving stylised arguments to justify their recommendations, none of them has made a clear statement on the outlook or possible timelines for recovery," said Rupa Rege Nitsure, chief economist at L&amp;T Financial Holdings.

"A lot depends on how promptly fiscal authorities undertake remedial measures."

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has recently held several meetings with industry leaders, who have called for stimulus measures, including tax rebates, to support consumer demand and private investment.

Pami Dua, another member of the MPC, said while monetary policy can impact cyclical factors, it has its limits when the slowdown is structural in nature.

"Therefore, investment-focused fiscal policy and the active continuation of structural reforms are imperative at this juncture," Dua said.

The government was looking into policy issues such as exempting foreign portfolio investor trusts from recently imposed high tax, deferring a proposal to raise minimum public shareholding in listed companies to 35 per cent from 25 per cent and easing of banking credit, a source told Reuters on Friday.

"Given the evolving growth-inflation risk picture, monetary policy should be used judiciously," member Chetan Ghate said.

Fixing India's weak growth has become the highest priority while a benign inflation outlook has given the central bank room to cut rates although transmission remains inadequate, monetary policy committee meeting minutes showed.

Fixing India's weak growth has become the highest priority while a benign inflation outlook has given the central bank room to cut rates although transmission remains inadequate, monetary policy committee meeting minutes showed. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lowered its benchmark interest rates for a fourth straight meeting this month with a slightly bigger than expected cut, underscoring its worries about the near-five year low economic growth pace. The six-member monetary policy committee (MPC) cut the repo rate by an unconventional 35 basis points (bps) to 5.40 per cent. "Given the current and evolving inflation and growth scenario at this juncture, it can no longer be business as usual approach. The economy needs a larger push," Governor Shaktikanta Das said in the minutes, released on Wednesday. Annual retail inflation in July was 3.15 per cent, down from an eight-month high of 3.18 per cent in June and staying below the central bank's 4 per medium-term target for a 12th straight month, raising expectations for a cut in October. Last week, a Reuters poll predicted the RBI would ease its benchmark rate by 25 basis points again to 5.15 per cent at its October meeting, followed by a 15 basis point cut in the first quarter of 2020. Since February, the RBI has cut the repo rate by a total 110 basis points (bps), but most Indian banks have not come close to the following suit. "Under prevailing circumstances, the immediate transmission should be considered not so much in terms of the bank deposit and lending rates but more specific rates influencing new investments such as housing loans, vehicle loans and long term bonds," said one MPC member, Ravindra Dholakia. Most members of the committee, however, felt rate transmission would be faster in the coming weeks and months aided by surplus liquidity in the banking system. The RBI is also looking to get banks to link some new loans to its key policy rate or other external benchmarks, Das said on Monday, as he pushes them to cut rates faster to stimulate growth. "While they are giving stylised arguments to justify their recommendations, none of them has made a clear statement on the outlook or possible timelines for recovery," said Rupa Rege Nitsure, chief economist at L&T Financial Holdings. "A lot depends on how promptly fiscal authorities undertake remedial measures." Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has recently held several meetings with industry leaders, who have called for stimulus measures, including tax rebates, to support consumer demand and private investment. Pami Dua, another member of the MPC, said while monetary policy can impact cyclical factors, it has its limits when the slowdown is structural in nature. "Therefore, investment-focused fiscal policy and the active continuation of structural reforms are imperative at this juncture," Dua said. The government was looking into policy issues such as exempting foreign portfolio investor trusts from recently imposed high tax, deferring a proposal to raise minimum public shareholding in listed companies to 35 per cent from 25 per cent and easing of banking credit, a source told Reuters on Friday. "Given the evolving growth-inflation risk picture, monetary policy should be used judiciously," member Chetan Ghate said.

Fixing weak growth is highest priority: RBI policy minutes

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-chairs-security-meeting-with-national-security-advisor-ajit-doval-on-jk-situation-244119">National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval</a> on Wednesday met with his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev in Moscow and discussed the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;

Russia <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-france-say-kashmir-is-a-bilateral-issue-between-india-and-pakistan-244555">supported India's position on Kashmir</a>. Both the parties reiterated the importance of bilateral consultations and mutual support for principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Non-interference of third parties was also reiterated.&nbsp;Doval's Moscow visit comes on Patrushev's invite.&nbsp;

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Longstanding position of India &amp; Russia on the importance of bilateral consultations &amp; mutual support for principles of sovereignty &amp; territorial integrity &amp; non-interference of 3rd parties was reiterated. Russia backs Indian position on the Kashmir issue. <a href="https://t.co/aC6jWHMYaY">pic.twitter.com/aC6jWHMYaY</a>
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"NSA’s talks with his Russian counterpart covered preparations for PM’s visit to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum in early September, bilateral cooperation between the two National Security Councils as well as regional and international issues," read the press release. &nbsp;

Russia and India reaffirmed their intention to bolster counter-terrorism cooperation.&nbsp;

"Doval also met director of ROSCOSMOS Dmitry Rogozin to review ongoing cooperation in the space field and the Gaganyaan programme," the press release added. &nbsp;

Space cooperation was also on the table. Rogozin lauded the progress of the Chandrayaan programme and conveyed Russia’s support and best wishes for the Mission’s success.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom and France have called Kashmir a bilateral issue and urged a resolution of the issue through dialogue.

In a conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday afternoon, both sides discussed the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, with the latter urging dialogue to resolve the issue.

A UK government readout said,"The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Modi discussed the current situation in Kashmir. The Prime Minister made clear that the UK views the issue of Kashmir is one for India and Pakistan to resolve bilaterally. He underlined the importance of resolving issues through dialogue."

Pakistan's foreign minister SM Qureshi spoke to French Foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian during which France reiterated its position on Kashmir that its a bilateral issue.&nbsp;

"It is up to the two countries, under the framework of their bilateral political dialogue, to resolve this dispute so as to establish lasting peace", French readout on Le Drian-Qureshi talks said.&nbsp;

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Wednesday met with his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev in Moscow and discussed the Kashmir issue. Russia supported India's position on Kashmir.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Wednesday met with his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev in Moscow and discussed the Kashmir issue. Russia supported India's position on Kashmir. Both the parties reiterated the importance of bilateral consultations and mutual support for principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Non-interference of third parties was also reiterated. Doval's Moscow visit comes on Patrushev's invite. Longstanding position of India & Russia on the importance of bilateral consultations & mutual support for principles of sovereignty & territorial integrity & non-interference of 3rd parties was reiterated. Russia backs Indian position on the Kashmir issue. pic.twitter.com/aC6jWHMYaY — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2019 × "NSA’s talks with his Russian counterpart covered preparations for PM’s visit to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum in early September, bilateral cooperation between the two National Security Councils as well as regional and international issues," read the press release. Russia and India reaffirmed their intention to bolster counter-terrorism cooperation. "Doval also met director of ROSCOSMOS Dmitry Rogozin to review ongoing cooperation in the space field and the Gaganyaan programme," the press release added. Space cooperation was also on the table. Rogozin lauded the progress of the Chandrayaan programme and conveyed Russia’s support and best wishes for the Mission’s success. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom and France have called Kashmir a bilateral issue and urged a resolution of the issue through dialogue. In a conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday afternoon, both sides discussed the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, with the latter urging dialogue to resolve the issue. A UK government readout said,"The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Modi discussed the current situation in Kashmir. The Prime Minister made clear that the UK views the issue of Kashmir is one for India and Pakistan to resolve bilaterally. He underlined the importance of resolving issues through dialogue." Pakistan's foreign minister SM Qureshi spoke to French Foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian during which France reiterated its position on Kashmir that its a bilateral issue. "It is up to the two countries, under the framework of their bilateral political dialogue, to resolve this dispute so as to establish lasting peace", French readout on Le Drian-Qureshi talks said.

NSA Doval meets Russian counterpart in Moscow, reaffirms counter-terrorism cooperation

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-intrudes-into-vietnams-economic-zone-places-coast-guards-near-ongc-block-244631">China intrudes into Vietnam's economic zone, places Coast Guards near ONGC block</a> 
 
Bejing has placed two of its coast guard ships near ONGC's block.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-waterways-wont-be-safe-if-iran-oil-exports-cut-to-zero-president-rouhani-244636">International waterways won't be safe if Iran oil exports cut to zero: President Rouhani</a> 
 
Global commodity trading has been rocked in recent months by the seizure of the British tanker and a series of attacks on international merchant vessels.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-take-all-necessary-measures-including-sanctions-on-us-companies-involved-in-arms-sale-to-taiwan-china-244609">Will take all necessary measures including sanctions on US companies involved in arms sale to Taiwan: China</a> 
 
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said in a statement that President Donald Trump had green-lighted the proposed sale after Congress was notified last week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-consulate-employee-in-hong-kong-being-held-in-china-foreign-ministry-244603">UK consulate employee in Hong Kong being held in China: Foreign ministry</a> 
 
Geng said the employee was from Hong Kong and therefore the issue was an internal matter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-minister-iaf-chief-to-visit-france-to-receive-first-indian-rafale-fighter-plane-244646">Rajnath Singh, IAF chief to visit France to receive first Indian Rafale fighter plane</a> 
 
India has signed a deal with France for the acquisition of 36 Rafale combat jets from France, which will start arriving India from May next year.

China intrudes into Vietnam's economic zone, places Coast Guards near ONGC block Bejing has placed two of its coast guard ships near ONGC's block. International waterways won't be safe if Iran oil exports cut to zero: President Rouhani Global commodity trading has been rocked in recent months by the seizure of the British tanker and a series of attacks on international merchant vessels.

China intrudes into Vietnam's economic zone, places Coast Guards near ONGC block Bejing has placed two of its coast guard ships near ONGC's block. International waterways won't be safe if Iran oil exports cut to zero: President Rouhani Global commodity trading has been rocked in recent months by the seizure of the British tanker and a series of attacks on international merchant vessels. Will take all necessary measures including sanctions on US companies involved in arms sale to Taiwan: China Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said in a statement that President Donald Trump had green-lighted the proposed sale after Congress was notified last week. UK consulate employee in Hong Kong being held in China: Foreign ministry Geng said the employee was from Hong Kong and therefore the issue was an internal matter. Rajnath Singh, IAF chief to visit France to receive first Indian Rafale fighter plane India has signed a deal with France for the acquisition of 36 Rafale combat jets from France, which will start arriving India from May next year.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/issues-relating-to-article-370-internal-matter-of-india-rajnath-singh-to-us-secretary-of-defence-esper-244461">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</a> and IAF Chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-cautious-and-alert-says-air-chief-bs-dhanoa-amid-indo-pak-tensions-244360">Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa</a> are scheduled to receive the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-using-offset-money-of-rafale-deal-to-train-people-nirmala-sitharaman-236224">Rafale fighter jet</a> manufactured by French firm Dassault Aviation for India on September 20.

"As per plans, a large Indian contingent led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is being sent by the Central government to accept the Rafale plane in the third week of September," Defence officials told ANI.

India has signed a deal with France for the acquisition of 36 Rafale combat jets from France, which will start arriving India from May next year.

Defence Minister Singh and the IAF Chief will receive the first aircraft from the French authorities near the plane manufacturing plant in Bordeaux.

The officials said the Indian Rafale is far more advanced than the ones operating with the French Air Force and that is why the plane would continue to be used for training Indian pilots till May next year.

The Indian planes have been equipped with a lot of India specific enhancements, which have been fitted at a cost of around one billion euros.

Though small batches of Indian pilots have already trained on the French Air Force planes, the Indian Air Force would train 24 pilots in three different batches till next year May for flying the Indian Rafales.

The Indian Air Force will deploy one each squadron of the Rafale combat aircraft at its airbases in Ambala in Haryana and Hashimara in Bengal.

In September 2016, India signed a deal with the French government and Dassault Aviation to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets for over Euro 7.8 billion to arrest the fall of combat squadrons and meet urgent requirements on the eastern and western fronts.

The plan to deploy one squadron of the planes at the Saraswat air base in Uttar Pradesh did not work out due to land acquisition issues.

Ambala base has been housing Jaguar aircraft squadrons mainly looking after the Pakistan front but due to rapid deployment capabilities, the planes can be utilised on both the fronts in case of requirement.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa are scheduled to receive the first Rafale fighter jet manufactured by French firm Dassault Aviation for India on September 20.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa are scheduled to receive the first Rafale fighter jet manufactured by French firm Dassault Aviation for India on September 20. "As per plans, a large Indian contingent led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is being sent by the Central government to accept the Rafale plane in the third week of September," Defence officials told ANI. India has signed a deal with France for the acquisition of 36 Rafale combat jets from France, which will start arriving India from May next year. Defence Minister Singh and the IAF Chief will receive the first aircraft from the French authorities near the plane manufacturing plant in Bordeaux. The officials said the Indian Rafale is far more advanced than the ones operating with the French Air Force and that is why the plane would continue to be used for training Indian pilots till May next year. The Indian planes have been equipped with a lot of India specific enhancements, which have been fitted at a cost of around one billion euros. Though small batches of Indian pilots have already trained on the French Air Force planes, the Indian Air Force would train 24 pilots in three different batches till next year May for flying the Indian Rafales. The Indian Air Force will deploy one each squadron of the Rafale combat aircraft at its airbases in Ambala in Haryana and Hashimara in Bengal. In September 2016, India signed a deal with the French government and Dassault Aviation to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets for over Euro 7.8 billion to arrest the fall of combat squadrons and meet urgent requirements on the eastern and western fronts. The plan to deploy one squadron of the planes at the Saraswat air base in Uttar Pradesh did not work out due to land acquisition issues. Ambala base has been housing Jaguar aircraft squadrons mainly looking after the Pakistan front but due to rapid deployment capabilities, the planes can be utilised on both the fronts in case of requirement.

Rajnath Singh, IAF chief to visit France to receive first Indian Rafale fighter plane

In a bid to eliminate single-use plastic in the country, Indian Railways on Wednesday directed all units to enforce a ban on single-use plastic, with less than 50-micron thickness, from October 2 onwards in its premises and trains.

The decision comes a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, urged people to shun single-use plastic from October 2, on the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Directing the Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to implement the return of plastic drinking water bottles as a part of Extended Producer Responsibility, the Ministry of Railways also urged the corporation to set up plastic bottle crushing machines in major railway stations expeditiously.

The Indian Railways, in a circular, said the emphasis is on making necessary arrangements to minimize the generation of plastic waste and its eco-friendly disposal.

It also urged all vendors and railway staffs across Indian Railways to use reusable bags to reduce plastic footprint.

"Strict enforcement of these instructions is to be from October 2, 2019, to give enough time to all concerned to prepare for "Plastic Free Railway." Ministry of Railways has also instructed its Railway units that a pledge can be administered on October 2 to cut the use of plastics," read the circular.

"Information, Education and Communication (IEC) measures are to be adapted to create awareness among railway users," it added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In a bid to eliminate single-use plastic in the country, Indian Railways on Wednesday directed all units to enforce a ban on single-use plastic, with less than 50-micron thickness, from October 2 onwards in its premises and trains.

In a bid to eliminate single-use plastic in the country, Indian Railways on Wednesday directed all units to enforce a ban on single-use plastic, with less than 50-micron thickness, from October 2 onwards in its premises and trains. The decision comes a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, urged people to shun single-use plastic from October 2, on the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Directing the Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to implement the return of plastic drinking water bottles as a part of Extended Producer Responsibility, the Ministry of Railways also urged the corporation to set up plastic bottle crushing machines in major railway stations expeditiously. The Indian Railways, in a circular, said the emphasis is on making necessary arrangements to minimize the generation of plastic waste and its eco-friendly disposal. It also urged all vendors and railway staffs across Indian Railways to use reusable bags to reduce plastic footprint. "Strict enforcement of these instructions is to be from October 2, 2019, to give enough time to all concerned to prepare for "Plastic Free Railway." Ministry of Railways has also instructed its Railway units that a pledge can be administered on October 2 to cut the use of plastics," read the circular. "Information, Education and Communication (IEC) measures are to be adapted to create awareness among railway users," it added.

Indian Railways to enforce ban on single-use plastic from October 2

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