A special court has dismissed the application filed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-vvip-chopper-case-christian-michel-received-money-from-other-defence-deals-as-well-enforcement-directorate-tells-court-188422">AgustaWestland</a> alleged 'middleman'&nbsp;Christian Michel seeking an inquiry into the visit of Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials in Tihar jail to meet him without court's permission.

Judge Arvind Kumar while dismissing the plea, observed that "I do not find any illegality on the part of ED and CBI officials who visited Tihar Jail. The application filed by accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/they-will-not-be-able-to-get-anything-from-him-christian-michels-lawyer-to-wion-183762">Christian James Michel</a> is without any merit and is thus dismissed".

Christian Michel is currently lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail in connection with Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

While the CBI is probing his alleged role as a 'middleman'&nbsp;in the deal, the ED is investigating money laundering charges against him.

Michel had moved the court seeking inquiry to be conducted into the entry of agency officials into the jail without seeking prior permission from the court.

He alleged that the agency officials searched his belongings during the visit of a British counsellor in Tihar on October 22.

On the contentions, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/augustawestland-case-court-to-hear-michels-plea-on-entry-of-ed-cbi-into-tihar-next-month-269940">the court</a> had earlier directed the jail authorities to submit a report regarding their visit.

Christian Michel's counsel, advocate Aljo K Joseph, had earlier stated that "as per Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, as and when consular access is requested and consular officers shall be free to communicate with nationals of the sending State and to have access to them."

"It is informed by the family of Christian James Michel that during the visit by consular, the ED and CBI officials tried to interfere with the process and checked article and books send by the family," he asserted.

The counsels appearing for the agencies, however, submitted that the officials went there on the Ministry of External Affairs'&nbsp;direction.

Christian Michel was extradited from Dubai in 2018 and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged irregularities in the chopper deal.&nbsp;

A special court has dismissed the application filed by AgustaWestland alleged 'middleman' Christian Michel seeking an inquiry into the visit of Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials in Tihar jail to meet him without court's permission.

A special court has dismissed the application filed by AgustaWestland alleged 'middleman' Christian Michel seeking an inquiry into the visit of Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials in Tihar jail to meet him without court's permission. Judge Arvind Kumar while dismissing the plea, observed that "I do not find any illegality on the part of ED and CBI officials who visited Tihar Jail. The application filed by accused Christian James Michel is without any merit and is thus dismissed". Christian Michel is currently lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail in connection with Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. While the CBI is probing his alleged role as a 'middleman' in the deal, the ED is investigating money laundering charges against him. Michel had moved the court seeking inquiry to be conducted into the entry of agency officials into the jail without seeking prior permission from the court. He alleged that the agency officials searched his belongings during the visit of a British counsellor in Tihar on October 22. On the contentions, the court had earlier directed the jail authorities to submit a report regarding their visit. Christian Michel's counsel, advocate Aljo K Joseph, had earlier stated that "as per Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, as and when consular access is requested and consular officers shall be free to communicate with nationals of the sending State and to have access to them." "It is informed by the family of Christian James Michel that during the visit by consular, the ED and CBI officials tried to interfere with the process and checked article and books send by the family," he asserted. The counsels appearing for the agencies, however, submitted that the officials went there on the Ministry of External Affairs' direction. Christian Michel was extradited from Dubai in 2018 and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged irregularities in the chopper deal.

AgustaWestland case: Court dismisses Michel's plea on entry of Enforcement Directorate, CBI into Tihar jail

After winning the three-match T20I series against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../india-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-t20i-india-thrash-sri- lanka-by-7-wickets-in-the-second-t20i-take-1-0-lead-272801">Sri Lanka</a>, India batsman Shikhar Dhawan said they dominated the series while experimenting with different players and batting order.

"We dominated the series and if I talk about myself, I had a challenge that I am coming back after an injury and I have to perform. Everyone has different challenges. A lot of players coming in, they have their own challenges," Dhawan said in the post-match press conference.

India secured a massive 78-run victory in the third T20I match against Sri Lanka here on Friday and consequently, won the series by 2-0 as the first match was abandoned due to rain.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-have-the-goods-to-give-virat-kohlis-men-a-run-for-their-money-finch-ahead-of-odi-series-against-india-273363">Australia have the goods to give Virat Kohli's men a run for their money: Finch ahead of ODI series against India</a>

India, who were asked to bat first, posted a massive 202-run target for Sri Lanka which the visitors failed to chase as they were all out on 123 runs.

Dhawan also played a crucial knock of 52 run to help India post a challenging target.

India made three changes in their squad for the third T20I against Sri Lanka and skipper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../ind-vs-sl-3rd-t20i-can-visitors-pose-a-challenge -to-mighty-india-preview-273382">Virat Kohli</a> batted very low in the order.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../mayank-agarwal-replaces-shikhar-dhawan-for- odi-series-against-west-indies-267638">Dhawan</a> said they can try out new things in these series as the T20 World Cup is approaching.

"In these series, we can do the experiment and once we know that this thing is clicking, then we go with this pattern. Number one, two or three we know who is going to come. That is why it important to do the experiment and we can take that risk right now," he said.

"We won the first match and today, as a team, we wanted to bat first because we want to refine ourselves more while batting first and winning more games. That brings confidence and that is why we are consciously doing it," Dhawan added.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

After winning the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, India batsman Shikhar Dhawan said they dominated the series while experimenting with different players and batting order.

After winning the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, India batsman Shikhar Dhawan said they dominated the series while experimenting with different players and batting order. "We dominated the series and if I talk about myself, I had a challenge that I am coming back after an injury and I have to perform. Everyone has different challenges. A lot of players coming in, they have their own challenges," Dhawan said in the post-match press conference. India secured a massive 78-run victory in the third T20I match against Sri Lanka here on Friday and consequently, won the series by 2-0 as the first match was abandoned due to rain. Also Read: Australia have the goods to give Virat Kohli's men a run for their money: Finch ahead of ODI series against India India, who were asked to bat first, posted a massive 202-run target for Sri Lanka which the visitors failed to chase as they were all out on 123 runs. Dhawan also played a crucial knock of 52 run to help India post a challenging target. India made three changes in their squad for the third T20I against Sri Lanka and skipper Virat Kohli batted very low in the order. Dhawan said they can try out new things in these series as the T20 World Cup is approaching. "In these series, we can do the experiment and once we know that this thing is clicking, then we go with this pattern. Number one, two or three we know who is going to come. That is why it important to do the experiment and we can take that risk right now," he said. "We won the first match and today, as a team, we wanted to bat first because we want to refine ourselves more while batting first and winning more games. That brings confidence and that is why we are consciously doing it," Dhawan added.

'We dominated the series,' says Shikhar Dhawan after India beat Sri Lanka to seal the series

In yet another example of subjugation of minorities in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-passport-slips-further-in-ranking-becomes-fourth-worst-for-overseas-travel-273052">Pakistan</a>, Multan bar association passed a resolution which forbids non-Muslim lawyers including Ahmadis to participate in the Bar council elections in the city, local media reported.

The resolution was presented by the lawyers of the district bar association of Multan.

It stated that the lawyers contesting bar elections will also need to submit an affidavit to prove their faith in Islam, Naya Daur reported.

Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pakistans-minorities-are-a-diminishing-population-247293">minorities</a>.

Islamabad has also reportedly been discriminating against its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-pakistans-failure-to-protect-minorities-compelled-india-to-bring-citizenship-amendment-bill-265778">religious minorities</a>, manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam among others, making Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region.

The condition of minorities is deplorable in Pakistan.

They have always been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-is-committing-systematic-genocide-of-minorities-baloch-hrc-secretary-249141">mistreated</a> and suffered injustices from fellow civilians and the administration. Pakistan administration has always patronised religious, ethnic, cultural and racial disagreements to further their regime.

In yet another example of subjugation of minorities in Pakistan, Multan bar association passed a resolution which forbids non-Muslim lawyers including Ahmadis to participate in the Bar council elections in the city, local media reported.

In yet another example of subjugation of minorities in Pakistan, Multan bar association passed a resolution which forbids non-Muslim lawyers including Ahmadis to participate in the Bar council elections in the city, local media reported. The resolution was presented by the lawyers of the district bar association of Multan. It stated that the lawyers contesting bar elections will also need to submit an affidavit to prove their faith in Islam, Naya Daur reported. Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on its minorities. Islamabad has also reportedly been discriminating against its religious minorities, manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam among others, making Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region. The condition of minorities is deplorable in Pakistan. They have always been mistreated and suffered injustices from fellow civilians and the administration. Pakistan administration has always patronised religious, ethnic, cultural and racial disagreements to further their regime.

Pakistan: Multan Bar Association forbids non-Muslim lawyers from contesting council elections

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-camps-continues-to-exist-in-pakistan-army-chief-mm-naravane-to-wion-271729">Army chief general Manoj Mukund Naravane</a> on Saturday in a press conference said that the emphasis of Armed Forces training will be to train for the future, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Describing the formation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the creation of the Department of Military Affairs as "a very big step towards integration", Naravane said that the force will ensure "this is a success".

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Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane briefs the media in Delhi: We will have to train for the future and that is where the emphasis of our training will be. <a href="https://t.co/wvypVGXOZO">pic.twitter.com/wvypVGXOZO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1215885803852718081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"As the Army, we swear allegiance to the Constitution of India, and that should guide us in all our actions at all times," the Army chief said, adding that the ethos of "justice, liberty, equality and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution should guide us".&nbsp;

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Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane: As the army, we swear allegiance to the Constitution of India, and that should guide us in all our actions at all times. <a href="https://t.co/GXfLKXMhEa">pic.twitter.com/GXfLKXMhEa</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1215887439975215104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Naravane said that the Indian Army is "much better prepared today than before".

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Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane: As the army, we swear allegiance to the Constitution of India, and that should guide us in all our actions at all times. <a href="https://t.co/GXfLKXMhEa">pic.twitter.com/GXfLKXMhEa</a>
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The army chief emphasised the significance of Siachen for India and said that "collusion can happen from there".

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— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1215890377724456960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier this month, in an interview to WION, Naravane had said that terror camps, launch pads and infrastructure continue to exist in Pakistan.

In conversation with WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Naravane also said that after the 2018 Wuhan informal summit, Indian and Chinese forces have developed a greater understanding.

Army chief general Manoj Mukund Naravane on Saturday in a press conference said that the emphasis of Armed Forces training will be to train for the future, news agency ANI reported.

Army chief general Manoj Mukund Naravane on Saturday in a press conference said that the emphasis of Armed Forces training will be to train for the future, news agency ANI reported. Describing the formation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the creation of the Department of Military Affairs as "a very big step towards integration", Naravane said that the force will ensure "this is a success". Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane briefs the media in Delhi: We will have to train for the future and that is where the emphasis of our training will be. pic.twitter.com/wvypVGXOZO — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2020 × "As the Army, we swear allegiance to the Constitution of India, and that should guide us in all our actions at all times," the Army chief said, adding that the ethos of "justice, liberty, equality and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution should guide us". Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane: As the army, we swear allegiance to the Constitution of India, and that should guide us in all our actions at all times. pic.twitter.com/GXfLKXMhEa — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2020 × Naravane said that the Indian Army is "much better prepared today than before". Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane: As the army, we swear allegiance to the Constitution of India, and that should guide us in all our actions at all times. pic.twitter.com/GXfLKXMhEa — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2020 × The army chief emphasised the significance of Siachen for India and said that "collusion can happen from there". Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane to ANI: Siachen is very important to us where one formation is looking after western and northern fronts. It is strategically important. It is from there where collusion can happen. pic.twitter.com/aAOsvfEGuC — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2020 × Earlier this month, in an interview to WION, Naravane had said that terror camps, launch pads and infrastructure continue to exist in Pakistan. In conversation with WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Naravane also said that after the 2018 Wuhan informal summit, Indian and Chinese forces have developed a greater understanding.

We're much better prepared today than before: Army chief general Naravane 

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-key-takeaways-announced-by-nirmala-sitharaman-in-parliament-233179">Union Budget</a> 2020 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

As per reports, the first phase of the budget session will be held from January 31 to February 11.

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Sources: First part of budget session to be held from January 31 to February 11. Budget to be presented on February 1. Second phase of budget session to be held from March 2 to April 3. <a href="https://t.co/5LlUQ1gZoE">pic.twitter.com/5LlUQ1gZoE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1215125320262537217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The second phase of the budget session will begin from March 2 and will go on till April 3.

Some of the measures included the introduction of 100 per cent FDI in insurance intermediaries. 1 crore loans for MSMEs in 59 minutes, among other features.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the budget 2019 and said that it had "given hopes to the country".

"It testifies that the path we are on is right and that we will reach our target," PM Modi said, adding that the budget will help facilitate the creation of 'New India'.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-key-takeaways-announced-by-nirmala-sitharaman-in-parliament-233179">Key takeaways announced by Nirmala Sitharaman in budget 2019</a>

"The middle class will progress with this budget, development work will expedite even more. The tax structure will simply and infrastructure will modernise," PM Modi had said.&nbsp;

Sitharaman will be closely watched with her pronouncements this budget. She is will be expected to come with measures that would drive the economy towards growth and bolster the equilibrium between consumption and investment.&nbsp;

The announcement of cuts in corporate tax and interest rates by the Reserve Bank of India last year didn't bring in much relief.

Sitharaman will be closely watched with her pronouncements this budget. She is will be expected to come with measures that would drive the economy towards growth and bolster the equilibrium between consumption and investment.&nbsp;

The announcement of cuts in corporate tax and interest rates by the Reserve Bank of India last year didn't bring in much relief.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, as per a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-bank-pegs-indias-growth-at-5-in-financial-year-2020-projects-recovery-next-year-273104">World Bank report</a>, India's growth is projected at five per cent in the current financial year 2019-20 which is set to recover to 5.8 per cent in the following fiscal year. 
&nbsp;

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Union Budget 2020 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, news agency ANI reported. As per reports, the first phase of the budget session will be held from January 31 to February 11.

Union Budget 2020 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, news agency ANI reported. As per reports, the first phase of the budget session will be held from January 31 to February 11. Sources: First part of budget session to be held from January 31 to February 11. Budget to be presented on February 1. Second phase of budget session to be held from March 2 to April 3. pic.twitter.com/5LlUQ1gZoE — ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2020 × The second phase of the budget session will begin from March 2 and will go on till April 3. Some of the measures included the introduction of 100 per cent FDI in insurance intermediaries. 1 crore loans for MSMEs in 59 minutes, among other features. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the budget 2019 and said that it had "given hopes to the country". "It testifies that the path we are on is right and that we will reach our target," PM Modi said, adding that the budget will help facilitate the creation of 'New India'. Also read: Key takeaways announced by Nirmala Sitharaman in budget 2019 "The middle class will progress with this budget, development work will expedite even more. The tax structure will simply and infrastructure will modernise," PM Modi had said. Sitharaman will be closely watched with her pronouncements this budget. She is will be expected to come with measures that would drive the economy towards growth and bolster the equilibrium between consumption and investment. The announcement of cuts in corporate tax and interest rates by the Reserve Bank of India last year didn't bring in much relief. Sitharaman will be closely watched with her pronouncements this budget. She is will be expected to come with measures that would drive the economy towards growth and bolster the equilibrium between consumption and investment. The announcement of cuts in corporate tax and interest rates by the Reserve Bank of India last year didn't bring in much relief. Meanwhile, as per a World Bank report, India's growth is projected at five per cent in the current financial year 2019-20 which is set to recover to 5.8 per cent in the following fiscal year.

Union Budget 2020 to be presented on February 1

One of the convicts in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tihar-jail-to-conduct-dummy-execution-of-nirbhaya-convicts-before-january-22-272825">Nirbhaya rape case</a>, Vinay Kumar Sharma, filed a curative petition before the Supreme Court on Thursday, days after a Delhi court fixed the date for hanging the four convicts.

A Delhi Court had issued a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-case-delhi-court-issues-death-warrant-against-all-4-convicts-272729">death warrant against four convicts</a> on January 7 and they are scheduled to be executed on January 22 at 7 am in the Tihar Jail premises.

Besides Vinay, other convicts Pawan, Akshay, and Mukesh Singh are facing the gallows. The court after issuing a black warrant in their name gave them two weeks'&nbsp;time to file both the curative and mercy petition.

A curative petition is the last judicial resort available for redressal of grievances. It is decided by the judges in-chamber.

The mercy petition, on the other hand, is filed before the President who has the power to commute it to life imprisonment.

The case pertains to the gang-rape of a woman by six persons on a moving bus in the national capital on the night of December 16, 2012.

The victim, who was later given the name Nirbhaya, died at a hospital in Singapore where she had been airlifted for medical treatment.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

One of the convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case, Vinay Kumar Sharma, filed a curative petition before the Supreme Court on Thursday, days after a Delhi court fixed the date for hanging the four convicts.

One of the convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case, Vinay Kumar Sharma, filed a curative petition before the Supreme Court on Thursday, days after a Delhi court fixed the date for hanging the four convicts. A Delhi Court had issued a death warrant against four convicts on January 7 and they are scheduled to be executed on January 22 at 7 am in the Tihar Jail premises. Besides Vinay, other convicts Pawan, Akshay, and Mukesh Singh are facing the gallows. The court after issuing a black warrant in their name gave them two weeks' time to file both the curative and mercy petition. A curative petition is the last judicial resort available for redressal of grievances. It is decided by the judges in-chamber. The mercy petition, on the other hand, is filed before the President who has the power to commute it to life imprisonment. The case pertains to the gang-rape of a woman by six persons on a moving bus in the national capital on the night of December 16, 2012. The victim, who was later given the name Nirbhaya, died at a hospital in Singapore where she had been airlifted for medical treatment.

Days after death warrant, Nirbhaya case convict files curative plea before Supreme Court

The Lahore High Court (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/government-has-a-week-to-decide-on-maryams-request-to-be-struck-off-exit-control-list-lhc-267233">LHC</a>) will hear on Thursday three civil miscellaneous applications filed by convicted former military dictator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pervez-musharraf-case-a-new-dawn-in-pakistan-269126">Pervez Musharraf</a>, challenging the formation and proceedings of the special court in the high treason case against him.

A three-judge bench comprising Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Mohammad Ameer Bhatti and Justice Chaudhry Masood Jahangir will hear the applications which challenge multiple actions against Musharraf, including the formation of a special court which had handed down the death penalty to him on December 17, Dawn reported.

The applications had been returned by LHC on December 27, last year, due to unavailability of the full bench during the winter vacation. They were filed again yesterday by a legal panel comprising Khwaja Ahmad Tariq Rahim and Azhar Siddique.

In his applications, the former military dictator asked the High Court to set aside the special court's verdict for being illegal, without jurisdiction, unconstitutional and in violation of Articles 10-A, 4, 5, 10 and 10-A of the Constitution.

The applications argued that the president of the special court had crossed all religious, moral, civil and constitutional limits, while ruthlessly, irreligiously, unlawfully, unrealistically awarding a sentence against the dignity of a person.

Musharraf was booked in the treason case in 2013 for imposing a state of emergency in the country on November 3, 2007, and suspending the Constitution till the mid of December 2007. He was handed down the death penalty by the special court on December 17 with a two to one majority.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) will hear on Thursday three civil miscellaneous applications filed by convicted former military dictator Pervez Musharraf, challenging the formation and proceedings of the special court in the high treason case against him.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) will hear on Thursday three civil miscellaneous applications filed by convicted former military dictator Pervez Musharraf, challenging the formation and proceedings of the special court in the high treason case against him. A three-judge bench comprising Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Mohammad Ameer Bhatti and Justice Chaudhry Masood Jahangir will hear the applications which challenge multiple actions against Musharraf, including the formation of a special court which had handed down the death penalty to him on December 17, Dawn reported. The applications had been returned by LHC on December 27, last year, due to unavailability of the full bench during the winter vacation. They were filed again yesterday by a legal panel comprising Khwaja Ahmad Tariq Rahim and Azhar Siddique. In his applications, the former military dictator asked the High Court to set aside the special court's verdict for being illegal, without jurisdiction, unconstitutional and in violation of Articles 10-A, 4, 5, 10 and 10-A of the Constitution. The applications argued that the president of the special court had crossed all religious, moral, civil and constitutional limits, while ruthlessly, irreligiously, unlawfully, unrealistically awarding a sentence against the dignity of a person. Musharraf was booked in the treason case in 2013 for imposing a state of emergency in the country on November 3, 2007, and suspending the Constitution till the mid of December 2007. He was handed down the death penalty by the special court on December 17 with a two to one majority.

Lahore High Court to take up Musharraf's pleas against his conviction in treason verdict today

Ahead of the three-match ODI series against India, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-nz-nathan-lyon-takes-five-as-australia-dominate-in-sydney-272264">Australia</a>'s opening batsman David Warner on Thursday said that the entire side is looking forward to meeting their Indian fans.

Warner took to Instagram to share a picture of himself and captioned the post as: "India here we come!! It's going to be a great 3 game series. Looking forward to seeing all our Indian fans".

Warner had registered the second-highest score for an Australian batter in a Test match against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-cricket-team-from-flamboyance-to-religious-discrimination-270672">Pakistan</a> last year after scoring 335 at Adelaide.

He also scored a century in the second innings of the third Test against New Zealand.

Australia white-washed both <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-sweat-on-ailing-williamson-and-nicholls-271562">New Zealand</a> and Pakistan in the respective Test series. As a result, it moved to the second position on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table.

Australia will next take on India in a three-match ODI series.

The first game will be played on January 14 at the Wankhede Stadium in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/deepika-padukone-and-chhapaak-team-conduct-social-experiment-share-video-272855">Mumbai</a>.

Ahead of the three-match ODI series against India, Australia's opening batsman David Warner on Thursday said that the entire side is looking forward to meeting their Indian fans.

Ahead of the three-match ODI series against India, Australia's opening batsman David Warner on Thursday said that the entire side is looking forward to meeting their Indian fans. Warner took to Instagram to share a picture of himself and captioned the post as: "India here we come!! It's going to be a great 3 game series. Looking forward to seeing all our Indian fans". Warner had registered the second-highest score for an Australian batter in a Test match against Pakistan last year after scoring 335 at Adelaide. He also scored a century in the second innings of the third Test against New Zealand. Australia white-washed both New Zealand and Pakistan in the respective Test series. As a result, it moved to the second position on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. Australia will next take on India in a three-match ODI series. The first game will be played on January 14 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Looking forward to seeing our Indian fans: David Warner ahead of ODI series

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-shares-slip-on-year-end-profit-booking-nifty-set-for-13-jump-in-2019-271230">Indian shares</a> rose on Thursday, as crude prices steadied after US-Iran tensions appeared to ebb, bringing relief to the world's No. 3 oil consumer.

Global markets have closely tracked any escalations in the conflict over the US&nbsp;killing of an Iranian general last week, due to fears of disruption to oil supplies, which sent crude prices soaring this week, and the rupee and Indian equities lower.

Broader Asian shares also rebounded on Thursday. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 1 per cent, as did Hong Kong's Hang Seng and Shanghai blue chips, reversing Wednesday's losses.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nifty-sensex-inch-lower-zee-top-gainer-in-nifty-50-263548">NSE Nifty 50 </a>index climbed 1.09 per cent&nbsp;to 12,156.50 by 0403 GMT, while the benchmark S&amp;P BSE Sensex was 1.07 per cent&nbsp;higher at 41,256.14. The Nifty index ended lower on Wednesday, see-sawing between a higher and lower close for each session this week.

"Nothing materially came beside the sanction because of which crude has corrected a lot. That is something which is beneficial for emerging markets and India specifically," said Neeraj Dewan, director at Quantum Securities in New Delhi.

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a> on Wednesday tempered days of angry rhetoric and suggested Iran was "standing down" after it fired missiles at US&nbsp;forces in Iraq overnight, as both sides looked to defuse the crisis.

Brent crude futures rose 55 cents, or 0.8 per cent, to $65.99 a barrel by 0109 GMT after tumbling 4.1 per cent&nbsp;on Wednesday.

Among major gainers on Nifty, shares of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-close-higher-as-federal-chief-rekindles-rate-cut-hopes-234968">JSW Steel Ltd</a> gained 3.8 per cent&nbsp;and those of Bharti Infratel Ltd rose 4.9 per cent.

Oil marketing companies <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-to-offload-bharat-petroleum-in-state-stake-sell-off-263518">Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd</a> and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd rose 1.6 per cent&nbsp;and 1.8 per cent, respectively.

Infosys Ltd rose 0.8 per cent ahead of its quarterly earnings on Friday.

Indian shares rose on Thursday, as crude prices steadied after US-Iran tensions appeared to ebb, bringing relief to the world's No. 3 oil consumer. Global markets have closely tracked any escalations in the conflict over the US killing of an Iranian general last week, due to fears of disruption to oil supplies, which sent crude prices soaring this week, and the rupee and Indian equities lower.

Indian shares rose on Thursday, as crude prices steadied after US-Iran tensions appeared to ebb, bringing relief to the world's No. 3 oil consumer. Global markets have closely tracked any escalations in the conflict over the US killing of an Iranian general last week, due to fears of disruption to oil supplies, which sent crude prices soaring this week, and the rupee and Indian equities lower. Broader Asian shares also rebounded on Thursday. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 1 per cent, as did Hong Kong's Hang Seng and Shanghai blue chips, reversing Wednesday's losses. The NSE Nifty 50 index climbed 1.09 per cent to 12,156.50 by 0403 GMT, while the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex was 1.07 per cent higher at 41,256.14. The Nifty index ended lower on Wednesday, see-sawing between a higher and lower close for each session this week. "Nothing materially came beside the sanction because of which crude has corrected a lot. That is something which is beneficial for emerging markets and India specifically," said Neeraj Dewan, director at Quantum Securities in New Delhi. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday tempered days of angry rhetoric and suggested Iran was "standing down" after it fired missiles at US forces in Iraq overnight, as both sides looked to defuse the crisis. Brent crude futures rose 55 cents, or 0.8 per cent, to $65.99 a barrel by 0109 GMT after tumbling 4.1 per cent on Wednesday. Among major gainers on Nifty, shares of JSW Steel Ltd gained 3.8 per cent and those of Bharti Infratel Ltd rose 4.9 per cent. Oil marketing companies Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd rose 1.6 per cent and 1.8 per cent, respectively. Infosys Ltd rose 0.8 per cent ahead of its quarterly earnings on Friday.

Sensex, Nifty surge as easing Middle East tensions steady crude prices

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/world-bank-to-reduce-lending-to-china-267039">World Bank</a> has projected India's growth at five per cent in the current financial year 2019-20 which is set to recover to 5.8 per cent in the following fiscal year.

In its latest semi-annual Global Economic Prospects report, the World Bank said that weakness in credit from non-bank financial companies is expected to linger.

"In India, where weakness in credit from non-bank financial companies is expected to linger, growth is projected to slow to 5 per cent in the financial year 2019-20, which ends March 31 and recover to 5.8 per cent the following fiscal year."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-forecasts-201920-gdp-growth-rate-at-5-272748">India forecasts 2019/20 GDP growth rate at 5%</a>

Globally, the bank projected that economic growth is projected to recover to 2.5 per cent in 2020 from 2.4 per cent in 2019.

However, the bank has noted that downside risk persists that might have an impact on the world's growth.

"Nevertheless, downside risks predominate including the possibility of a re-escalation of global trade tensions, sharp downturns in major economies, and financial disruptions in emerging market and developing economies," the report said.

The World Bank has projected India's growth at five per cent in the current financial year 2019-20 which is set to recover to 5.8 per cent in the following fiscal year.

The World Bank has projected India's growth at five per cent in the current financial year 2019-20 which is set to recover to 5.8 per cent in the following fiscal year. In its latest semi-annual Global Economic Prospects report, the World Bank said that weakness in credit from non-bank financial companies is expected to linger. "In India, where weakness in credit from non-bank financial companies is expected to linger, growth is projected to slow to 5 per cent in the financial year 2019-20, which ends March 31 and recover to 5.8 per cent the following fiscal year." Also read: India forecasts 2019/20 GDP growth rate at 5% Globally, the bank projected that economic growth is projected to recover to 2.5 per cent in 2020 from 2.4 per cent in 2019. However, the bank has noted that downside risk persists that might have an impact on the world's growth. "Nevertheless, downside risks predominate including the possibility of a re-escalation of global trade tensions, sharp downturns in major economies, and financial disruptions in emerging market and developing economies," the report said.

World Bank pegs India's growth at 5% in financial year 2020, projects recovery next year

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