Indian armed forces not only ensure the protection of human rights of our own people but also of adversaries and deal with the prisoners of war as per the Geneva Conventions, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said on Friday.

He was addressing the interns and senior officers of the National Human Rights Commission on 'Preserving Human Rights in Times of War and Prisoners of War'.

He said the country's armed forces were disciplined and have the utmost respect for human rights laws.

According to a NHRC release, Army Chief said that the driving ethos of the Indian armed forces is "Insaniyat"( Humanity) and "Sharafat"( Decency) and they are extremely secular.

The Army Chief said there was a challenge of changing warfare tactics with the advent of technology.

He said that unlike the attack by any armed force, the terror attacks remain unaccountable in international law.

"Hence, the counter-terrorism and anti-insurgency operations have to be dealt in a manner of winning the hearts of the people by identifying and alienating the insurgents among them without collateral damage, which becomes very challenging and difficult", he said.

The Army chief said that Army Headquarters had created a human rights cell in 1993, which now is being upgraded to the level of a Directorate to be headed by an Additional Director General.

This will also have police personnel to address the complaints of human rights violations against the armed forces and facilitate related inquiries, he said.

General Rawat said that a new initiative has been taken in October this year by recruiting women jawans in Military Police Force.

He said that the Army takes along with it several police personnel in search operations, but keeping in view the concerns of women during such operations, the army has now decided to deploy the lady jawans of its Military Police force also.

He said that keeping in view provisions of human rights law and the importance of the protection of human rights, a court of inquiry is being held after every anti-insurgency operation and all records are maintained related to such operations.

Referring to the Armed Force Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the Army Chief said that the Act gives almost the same powers to the Army, which are also exercised by police and CRPF in connection with search and inquiry operations.

However, he said that over the years the army itself has diluted its application in its own way under the ten commandments issued by the Chief of Army Staff, which are to be strictly adhered by every soldier, and particularly those deployed for operations in anti-insurgency areas.

The Supreme Court guidelines on this are also being strictly followed by soldiers, who are given special training before their deployment in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, he said.

Earlier, NHRC Member Justice P.C. Pant gave an insight into various laws protecting human rights.&nbsp;

Indian armed forces not only ensure the protection of human rights of our own people but also of adversaries and deal with the prisoners of war as per the Geneva Conventions, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said on Friday.

Indian armed forces not only ensure the protection of human rights of our own people but also of adversaries and deal with the prisoners of war as per the Geneva Conventions, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said on Friday. He was addressing the interns and senior officers of the National Human Rights Commission on 'Preserving Human Rights in Times of War and Prisoners of War'. He said the country's armed forces were disciplined and have the utmost respect for human rights laws. According to a NHRC release, Army Chief said that the driving ethos of the Indian armed forces is "Insaniyat"( Humanity) and "Sharafat"( Decency) and they are extremely secular. The Army Chief said there was a challenge of changing warfare tactics with the advent of technology. He said that unlike the attack by any armed force, the terror attacks remain unaccountable in international law. "Hence, the counter-terrorism and anti-insurgency operations have to be dealt in a manner of winning the hearts of the people by identifying and alienating the insurgents among them without collateral damage, which becomes very challenging and difficult", he said. The Army chief said that Army Headquarters had created a human rights cell in 1993, which now is being upgraded to the level of a Directorate to be headed by an Additional Director General. This will also have police personnel to address the complaints of human rights violations against the armed forces and facilitate related inquiries, he said. General Rawat said that a new initiative has been taken in October this year by recruiting women jawans in Military Police Force. He said that the Army takes along with it several police personnel in search operations, but keeping in view the concerns of women during such operations, the army has now decided to deploy the lady jawans of its Military Police force also. He said that keeping in view provisions of human rights law and the importance of the protection of human rights, a court of inquiry is being held after every anti-insurgency operation and all records are maintained related to such operations. Referring to the Armed Force Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the Army Chief said that the Act gives almost the same powers to the Army, which are also exercised by police and CRPF in connection with search and inquiry operations. However, he said that over the years the army itself has diluted its application in its own way under the ten commandments issued by the Chief of Army Staff, which are to be strictly adhered by every soldier, and particularly those deployed for operations in anti-insurgency areas. The Supreme Court guidelines on this are also being strictly followed by soldiers, who are given special training before their deployment in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, he said. Earlier, NHRC Member Justice P.C. Pant gave an insight into various laws protecting human rights.

Indian armed forces ensure protection of human rights of adversaries also: General Rawat

Mobile Internet services have been restored in Lucknow and Meerut on Friday.

"Last Friday violence erupted after Friday prayers. Keeping this in mind, all these precautions were taken," said Dinesh Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh.

SMS messages and mobile Internet services of all mobile service providers except BSNL remained suspended in Lucknow on December 27.

The announcement was made in a notification dated December 26 and undersigned by Additional Chief Secretary, Awanish Kumar Awasthi.

In Bulandshahar, the services will remain suspended till 6:00 am on December 28.

In Agra, Internet Services will remain suspended till 6:00 pm today while in Mathura, Sitapur, Muzaffarnagar, Firozabad and Sambhal, it will remain suspended till further orders.

The services will also remain suspended in Bijnor till the night of December 28.

The Information and Communication Department of Uttar Pradesh said that 498 people have been identified in connection with the damage caused to public property during recent protests in Lucknow, Meerut, Sambhal, Rampur, Muzaffarnagar, Ferozabad, Kanpur Nagar, Mau and Bulandshahar.&nbsp;

Mobile Internet services have been restored in Lucknow and Meerut on Friday. "Last Friday violence erupted after Friday prayers. Keeping this in mind, all these precautions were taken," said Dinesh Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh.

Mobile Internet services have been restored in Lucknow and Meerut on Friday. "Last Friday violence erupted after Friday prayers. Keeping this in mind, all these precautions were taken," said Dinesh Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh. SMS messages and mobile Internet services of all mobile service providers except BSNL remained suspended in Lucknow on December 27. The announcement was made in a notification dated December 26 and undersigned by Additional Chief Secretary, Awanish Kumar Awasthi. In Bulandshahar, the services will remain suspended till 6:00 am on December 28. In Agra, Internet Services will remain suspended till 6:00 pm today while in Mathura, Sitapur, Muzaffarnagar, Firozabad and Sambhal, it will remain suspended till further orders. The services will also remain suspended in Bijnor till the night of December 28. The Information and Communication Department of Uttar Pradesh said that 498 people have been identified in connection with the damage caused to public property during recent protests in Lucknow, Meerut, Sambhal, Rampur, Muzaffarnagar, Ferozabad, Kanpur Nagar, Mau and Bulandshahar.

Uttar Pradesh: Mobile internet services restored in Lucknow, Meerut

"Nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled," said Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri while answering WION's Political Editor Kartikeya Sharma's query on Delhi's Central Vista redevelopment. &nbsp;

While speaking as the Chief Guest at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-mission-smart-cities-2020-making-india-smart-270593">WION Mission Smart Cities 2020</a> event, Puri touched upon the nuances of the redevelopment of Delhi's Central Vista and said that Delhi's timeless heritage will remain untouched in the process of giving it an overhaul.&nbsp;

The minister said that through the medium of WION's Mission <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-a-smart-city-and-what-does-it-mean-for-urban-india-270444">Smart Cities</a> 2020 event, he got an opportunity to tell the public "that nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled".&nbsp;

Puri said that Delhi's iconic, heritage buildings and state structures now exist for over 70 years and it is incumbent for the government to "occasionally look beyond today and tomorrow and to plan for the next 100 years to come".

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<h5>'I want to use this public platform of WION, which is a respectable medium, to say that nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled. There is a rumour that all these iconic buildings are going to come down, nothing will come down. The parliament will remain as it is but you will have something more,' Puri stated.&nbsp;</h5>
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"I'm glad you asked me this because this gives me an opportunity to talk about it. Many of these buildings are not earthquake-proof and some are guzzlers of electricity and energy," the Union Minister said, adding that redesigning Central Vista is only going to add more without harming its heritage.&nbsp;

"I want to use this public platform of WION, which is a respectable medium, to say that nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled. There is a rumour that all these iconic buildings are going to come down, nothing will come down. The parliament will remain as it is but you will have something more," Puri stated.&nbsp;

The Central government has proposed to redevelop Delhi's Central Vista or Rajpath and have a common secretariat for all ministries that are currently spread across buildings in Delhi.

The proposal of revamping the seat of power in the national capital has been won by a Gujarat-based firm.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SmartCitiesWithWION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SmartCitiesWithWION</a> | Unlocking the potential of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SmartCities?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SmartCities</a> 
 
Guest of Honour and MoS of <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHUA_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHUA_India</a>, Mr. <a href="https://twitter.com/HardeepSPuri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HardeepSPuri</a> gives a quick summary of India's Smart City Mission's progress (<a href="https://twitter.com/SmartCities_HUA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SmartCities_HUA</a>) &amp; key projects via PPT<a href="https://twitter.com/PMAYUrban?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMAYUrban</a><a href="https://twitter.com/FinMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FinMinIndia</a><a href="https://twitter.com/NITIAayog?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NITIAayog</a> <a href="https://t.co/fSJpUX9ohM">pic.twitter.com/fSJpUX9ohM</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1210590845172240385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"People are trying to cast doubts and have been fed misinformation. I want to say that after the Central Vista construction is over, people will be moving to their new offices. Those who have seen the design are raving about it," Puri said.&nbsp;

Puri's remarks gave the concluding touch to WION's 'Mission Smart Cities 2020' event which witnessed eminent personalities converge their ideas on the making of India's 'smart cities'.&nbsp;

WION's Mission Smart Cities 2020 event focused on key topics. The 'Session 1' of the event focused on designing the future of India and unravelling the buzzword 'Smart Cities'.

Session 2 dealt with India’s real estate outlook on growth, sustainability, and economy.

From climate neutral cities, technology and transport to government initiatives and co-working spaces, stakeholders and industry stalwarts discussed the many opportunities and various challenges posed in the face of achieving the vision of building and developing India's smart cities as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi while launching the '100 Smart Cities Mission' in 2015.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION hosted the 'Mission Smart Cities 2020' event in Delhi on December 27, 2019.

"Nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled," said Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri while answering WION's Political Editor Kartikeya Sharma's query on Delhi's Central Vista redevelopment.

"Nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled," said Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri while answering WION's Political Editor Kartikeya Sharma's query on Delhi's Central Vista redevelopment. While speaking as the Chief Guest at WION Mission Smart Cities 2020 event, Puri touched upon the nuances of the redevelopment of Delhi's Central Vista and said that Delhi's timeless heritage will remain untouched in the process of giving it an overhaul. The minister said that through the medium of WION's Mission Smart Cities 2020 event, he got an opportunity to tell the public "that nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled". Puri said that Delhi's iconic, heritage buildings and state structures now exist for over 70 years and it is incumbent for the government to "occasionally look beyond today and tomorrow and to plan for the next 100 years to come". 'I want to use this public platform of WION, which is a respectable medium, to say that nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled. There is a rumour that all these iconic buildings are going to come down, nothing will come down. The parliament will remain as it is but you will have something more,' Puri stated. × "I'm glad you asked me this because this gives me an opportunity to talk about it. Many of these buildings are not earthquake-proof and some are guzzlers of electricity and energy," the Union Minister said, adding that redesigning Central Vista is only going to add more without harming its heritage. "I want to use this public platform of WION, which is a respectable medium, to say that nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled. There is a rumour that all these iconic buildings are going to come down, nothing will come down. The parliament will remain as it is but you will have something more," Puri stated. The Central government has proposed to redevelop Delhi's Central Vista or Rajpath and have a common secretariat for all ministries that are currently spread across buildings in Delhi. The proposal of revamping the seat of power in the national capital has been won by a Gujarat-based firm. #SmartCitiesWithWION | Unlocking the potential of #SmartCities Guest of Honour and MoS of @MoHUA_India, Mr. @HardeepSPuri gives a quick summary of India's Smart City Mission's progress (@SmartCities_HUA) & key projects via PPT@PMAYUrban@FinMinIndia@NITIAayog pic.twitter.com/fSJpUX9ohM — WION (@WIONews) December 27, 2019 × "People are trying to cast doubts and have been fed misinformation. I want to say that after the Central Vista construction is over, people will be moving to their new offices. Those who have seen the design are raving about it," Puri said. Puri's remarks gave the concluding touch to WION's 'Mission Smart Cities 2020' event which witnessed eminent personalities converge their ideas on the making of India's 'smart cities'. WION's Mission Smart Cities 2020 event focused on key topics. The 'Session 1' of the event focused on designing the future of India and unravelling the buzzword 'Smart Cities'. Session 2 dealt with India’s real estate outlook on growth, sustainability, and economy. From climate neutral cities, technology and transport to government initiatives and co-working spaces, stakeholders and industry stalwarts discussed the many opportunities and various challenges posed in the face of achieving the vision of building and developing India's smart cities as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi while launching the '100 Smart Cities Mission' in 2015. WION hosted the 'Mission Smart Cities 2020' event in Delhi on December 27, 2019.

WION Mission Smart Cities 2020: Hardeep Singh Puri talks on revamping Delhi Central Vista, says 'nothing heritage will be dismantled'

PM Modi, right after assuming charge in his first term, launched the '100 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/designing-indias-future-wions-mission-smart-cities-2020-event-to-take-place-in-delhi-on-friday-270387">Smart Cities</a> Mission' in 2015. The Mission was launched with an aim to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life by enabling local development and harnessing technology.

But what would define a 'smart city'? And what does it mean for India? The concept of a 'smart city' would vary from country to country depending on the level of development achieved by a nation and what all it aspires its key cities to manifest. There exists no universal definition of a smart city.&nbsp;

"Even in India, there is no one way of defining a smart city," reads the official website of Smart City Mission.&nbsp;

However, if one loosely puts together the basic idea of a smart city in India, it would translate into a wishlist of a city dweller with respect to the level of infrastructure, services and other amenities "that describes his or her level of aspiration".&nbsp;

To develop any city into a 'smart' one would ideally involve the urban planners to develop and transform the entire urban ecosystem, to give it a comprehensive overhaul in terms of institutional, physical, social and economic infrastructure.&nbsp;

"This can be a long term goal and cities can work towards developing such comprehensive infrastructure incrementally, adding on layers of ‘smartness’," Smart City Mission explains on the website.&nbsp;

It is estimated that around 40 per cent of the Indian population will be housed in the country's urban areas which will account to over 70 per cent of GDP contribution by 2030. Therefore, improving the quality of life of people living in such areas and attracting more people and investment to bolster economic growth and development becomes imperative. The Smart City Mission was launched to meet this vision.&nbsp;

At the heart Mission is the idea to achieve some core infrastructure elements like adequate water and assured electricity supply; robust IT connectivity and digitalisation; efficient urban mobility and public transport; affordable housing; healthcare and educational services; optimum safety and security; sustainable environment, among others.&nbsp;

The Mission involves 100 Indian cities to be developed to an extent to exhibit the following features, says the official Mission website.&nbsp;

- Promoting mixed land use, making land use more efficient.&nbsp;

- Expanding housing opportunities for all

- Creating walkable localities – reducing&nbsp;congestion, air pollution and resource depletion

- Boosting the local economy, ensuring&nbsp;security.&nbsp;

- Preserving and developing open spaces such as parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces

- Promoting a variety of transport options and boosting public transport

- Giving an identity to the city and boosting its local culture&nbsp;

- Applying Smart Solutions to infrastructure and services in area-based development to make them better.&nbsp;

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Four years ago, today we started important initiatives PM Awas Yojana (U), AMRUT, Smart Cities with the aim of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TransformingUrbanLandscape?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TransformingUrbanLandscape</a> in India. 
 
These initiatives have not only helped usher in a new paradigm of urban development but have also transformed crores of lives.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1143355329423523840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The prime minister has touted the Smart City Mission as one of his government's flagship programmes to transform the urban landscape of India.&nbsp;

"These initiatives have not only helped usher in a new paradigm of urban development but have also transformed crores of lives," PM Modi had tweeted out earlier this year.&nbsp;

PM Modi, right after assuming charge in his first term, launched the '100 Smart Cities Mission' in 2015. The Mission was launched with an aim to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life by enabling local development and harnessing technology.

PM Modi, right after assuming charge in his first term, launched the '100 Smart Cities Mission' in 2015. The Mission was launched with an aim to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life by enabling local development and harnessing technology. But what would define a 'smart city'? And what does it mean for India? The concept of a 'smart city' would vary from country to country depending on the level of development achieved by a nation and what all it aspires its key cities to manifest. There exists no universal definition of a smart city. "Even in India, there is no one way of defining a smart city," reads the official website of Smart City Mission. However, if one loosely puts together the basic idea of a smart city in India, it would translate into a wishlist of a city dweller with respect to the level of infrastructure, services and other amenities "that describes his or her level of aspiration". To develop any city into a 'smart' one would ideally involve the urban planners to develop and transform the entire urban ecosystem, to give it a comprehensive overhaul in terms of institutional, physical, social and economic infrastructure. "This can be a long term goal and cities can work towards developing such comprehensive infrastructure incrementally, adding on layers of ‘smartness’," Smart City Mission explains on the website. It is estimated that around 40 per cent of the Indian population will be housed in the country's urban areas which will account to over 70 per cent of GDP contribution by 2030. Therefore, improving the quality of life of people living in such areas and attracting more people and investment to bolster economic growth and development becomes imperative. The Smart City Mission was launched to meet this vision. At the heart Mission is the idea to achieve some core infrastructure elements like adequate water and assured electricity supply; robust IT connectivity and digitalisation; efficient urban mobility and public transport; affordable housing; healthcare and educational services; optimum safety and security; sustainable environment, among others. The Mission involves 100 Indian cities to be developed to an extent to exhibit the following features, says the official Mission website. - Promoting mixed land use, making land use more efficient. - Expanding housing opportunities for all - Creating walkable localities – reducing congestion, air pollution and resource depletion - Boosting the local economy, ensuring security. - Preserving and developing open spaces such as parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces - Promoting a variety of transport options and boosting public transport - Giving an identity to the city and boosting its local culture - Applying Smart Solutions to infrastructure and services in area-based development to make them better. Four years ago, today we started important initiatives PM Awas Yojana (U), AMRUT, Smart Cities with the aim of #TransformingUrbanLandscape in India. These initiatives have not only helped usher in a new paradigm of urban development but have also transformed crores of lives. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2019 × The prime minister has touted the Smart City Mission as one of his government's flagship programmes to transform the urban landscape of India. "These initiatives have not only helped usher in a new paradigm of urban development but have also transformed crores of lives," PM Modi had tweeted out earlier this year.

What is a 'smart city' and what does it mean for urban India?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-receives-second-tranche-of-452-million-from-international-monetary-fund-270533">Pakistan</a> has arrested five suspected al Qaeda militants planning an attack on security personnel, authorities in the eastern state of Punjab said on Friday.

The raid in Gujranwala city hit an important media cell and financing network for the jihadists, Punjab's counter-terrorism department said. Laptops with encrypted data, cell phones, a printing press, explosives, five Kalashnikov rifles, ammunition and cash were found.

For years militants have held sway in remote northwestern regions on the Afghan border but some have also established networks in Punjab, Pakistan's richest and most populous province.

"They were planning an attack on law enforcement officials in Gujranwala," the police statement added, without giving more details on the plot.

The Gujranwala group recently relocated from Karachi and was running al Qaeda's media operations for the Indian subcontinent and sending funds to central leadership in Afghanistan, it added.

The Pakistan government says the number of militants in the country has decreased due to an army crackdown.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/al-qaeda-is-stronger-today-than-it-was-on-911-232726">Al Qaeda</a> founder Osama Bin Laden was killed in a US&nbsp;operation in 2011 in Pakistan.

Pakistan has arrested five suspected al Qaeda militants planning an attack on security personnel, authorities in the eastern state of Punjab said on Friday. The raid in Gujranwala city hit an important media cell and financing network for the jihadists, Punjab's counter-terrorism department said.

Pakistan has arrested five suspected al Qaeda militants planning an attack on security personnel, authorities in the eastern state of Punjab said on Friday. The raid in Gujranwala city hit an important media cell and financing network for the jihadists, Punjab's counter-terrorism department said. Laptops with encrypted data, cell phones, a printing press, explosives, five Kalashnikov rifles, ammunition and cash were found. For years militants have held sway in remote northwestern regions on the Afghan border but some have also established networks in Punjab, Pakistan's richest and most populous province. "They were planning an attack on law enforcement officials in Gujranwala," the police statement added, without giving more details on the plot. The Gujranwala group recently relocated from Karachi and was running al Qaeda's media operations for the Indian subcontinent and sending funds to central leadership in Afghanistan, it added. The Pakistan government says the number of militants in the country has decreased due to an army crackdown. Al Qaeda founder Osama Bin Laden was killed in a US operation in 2011 in Pakistan.

Pakistan seizes five suspected Al Qaeda militants

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday released its 'Financial Stability Report' and said that despite weakening domestic growth, India's financial system remains stable, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The RBI stated that the banking sector's resilience has improved, however, "risks from global/domestic economic uncertainties and geopolitical developments persist".&nbsp;

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RBI releases Financial Stability Report. It states 'India’s financial system remains stable notwithstanding weakening domestic growth; resilience of banking sector has improved. Risks from global/domestic economic uncertainties &amp; geopolitical developments, however, persist' <a href="https://t.co/rUtFozRUUU">pic.twitter.com/rUtFozRUUU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1210544432627347457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that India is witnessing the "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-witnessing-temporary-effects-of-global-slowdown-amit-shah-270648">temporary effects of a global slowdown</a>" and that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is working day and night to fight it.&nbsp;

"I believe the Indian economy will be the first to be free from the slowdown in the world," Shah said at an event today.&nbsp;

Shah's comments came while he was addressing investors at the first groundbreaking ceremony of Himachal Pradesh Global Investors Meet-2019 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

Shah said the government was working to deal with the effect of the slowdown.

The minister said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her deputy Anurag Thakur were working on working are on various plans to fight with this global slowdown under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday released its 'Financial Stability Report' and said that despite weakening domestic growth, India's financial system remains stable, news agency ANI reported.

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday released its 'Financial Stability Report' and said that despite weakening domestic growth, India's financial system remains stable, news agency ANI reported. The RBI stated that the banking sector's resilience has improved, however, "risks from global/domestic economic uncertainties and geopolitical developments persist". RBI releases Financial Stability Report. It states 'India’s financial system remains stable notwithstanding weakening domestic growth; resilience of banking sector has improved. Risks from global/domestic economic uncertainties & geopolitical developments, however, persist' pic.twitter.com/rUtFozRUUU — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2019 × Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that India is witnessing the "temporary effects of a global slowdown" and that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is working day and night to fight it. "I believe the Indian economy will be the first to be free from the slowdown in the world," Shah said at an event today. Shah's comments came while he was addressing investors at the first groundbreaking ceremony of Himachal Pradesh Global Investors Meet-2019 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Shah said the government was working to deal with the effect of the slowdown. The minister said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her deputy Anurag Thakur were working on working are on various plans to fight with this global slowdown under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (With inputs from ANI)

India's financial system stable despite weakening domestic growth: RBI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the country is witnessing the "temporary effects of a global slowdown" and that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her deputy are working day and night to fight it.

Shah stated that he believed that India will be the first one to pull out of this global economic slowdown.&nbsp;

"I believe the Indian economy will be the first to be free from the slowdown in the world," Shah said at an event today.&nbsp;

Shah's comments came while he was addressing investors at the first groundbreaking ceremony of Himachal Pradesh Global Investors Meet-2019 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

Shah said the government was working to deal with the effect of the slowdown.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Home Minister Amit Shah in Shimla: You are seeing temporary effects of global slowdown. Under leadership of Modi ji, Nirmala Sitharaman ji and Anurag ji are working day&amp;night to fight it. I believe, Indian economy will be the first to be free from slowdown in the world. <a href="https://t.co/eNhv2picnU">pic.twitter.com/eNhv2picnU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1210515740987707392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"What we are witnessing is a temporary effect of a global slowdown. To fight it, the government is working on different types of plans," he said.

"I am confident that within some time we will be able to come out of it and we will emerge as the first nation in the world free from the global slowdown," he said.

The minister said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her deputy Anurag Thakur were working on working are on various plans to fight with this global slowdown under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India on Friday released its '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-financial-system-stable-despite-weakening-domestic-growth-rbi-270631">Financial Stability Report</a>' and said that despite weakening domestic growth, India's financial system remains stable, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The RBI stated that the banking sector's resilience has improved, however, "risks from global/domestic economic uncertainties and geopolitical developments persist".&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the country is witnessing the "temporary effects of a global slowdown" and that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her deputy are working day and night to fight it.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the country is witnessing the "temporary effects of a global slowdown" and that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her deputy are working day and night to fight it. Shah stated that he believed that India will be the first one to pull out of this global economic slowdown. "I believe the Indian economy will be the first to be free from the slowdown in the world," Shah said at an event today. Shah's comments came while he was addressing investors at the first groundbreaking ceremony of Himachal Pradesh Global Investors Meet-2019 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Shah said the government was working to deal with the effect of the slowdown. #WATCH Home Minister Amit Shah in Shimla: You are seeing temporary effects of global slowdown. Under leadership of Modi ji, Nirmala Sitharaman ji and Anurag ji are working day&night to fight it. I believe, Indian economy will be the first to be free from slowdown in the world. pic.twitter.com/eNhv2picnU — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2019 × "What we are witnessing is a temporary effect of a global slowdown. To fight it, the government is working on different types of plans," he said. "I am confident that within some time we will be able to come out of it and we will emerge as the first nation in the world free from the global slowdown," he said. The minister said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her deputy Anurag Thakur were working on working are on various plans to fight with this global slowdown under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India on Friday released its 'Financial Stability Report' and said that despite weakening domestic growth, India's financial system remains stable, news agency ANI reported. The RBI stated that the banking sector's resilience has improved, however, "risks from global/domestic economic uncertainties and geopolitical developments persist". (With inputs from ANI)

India is witnessing temporary effects of global slowdown: Amit Shah 

According to reports, the death toll in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plane-crashes-in-kazakhstan-with-hundred-on-board-270463">Kazakhstan airplane crash</a> climbed to 15 with another person succumbing to injuries in the hospital on Friday.&nbsp;

Over 60 people were rushed to the hospital after an airplane crashed in Kazakhstan, near Almaty airport, today with around a hundred people on board.&nbsp;

As per reports, fifty people have been hospitalised out of whom around 12 are in grave condition, health authorities said.

The Bek Air aircraft crashed near Almaty airport, reports said. The plane disappeared from radar after takeoff, according to reports.

The Fokker 100 aircraft, heading for the capital, Nur-Sultan, "lost altitude during takeoff and broke through a concrete fence" before hitting a two-story building, Kazakhstan's civil aviation committee said.

The aviation committee added that it was suspending all flights of Fokker 100 aircraft pending an investigation. The authorities said at least 66 people were taken to hospital, including some in grave condition.

"Those responsible will face tough punishment in accordance with the law," Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev tweeted while expressing condolences.

Almaty airport officials said emergency services were working at the site to get survivors out. The plane was carrying 95 passengers and five crew members.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

According to reports, the death toll in Kazakhstan airplane crash climbed to 15 with another person succumbing to injuries in the hospital on Friday. Over 60 people were rushed to the hospital after an airplane crashed in Kazakhstan, near Almaty airport, today with around a hundred people on board.

According to reports, the death toll in Kazakhstan airplane crash climbed to 15 with another person succumbing to injuries in the hospital on Friday. Over 60 people were rushed to the hospital after an airplane crashed in Kazakhstan, near Almaty airport, today with around a hundred people on board. As per reports, fifty people have been hospitalised out of whom around 12 are in grave condition, health authorities said. The Bek Air aircraft crashed near Almaty airport, reports said. The plane disappeared from radar after takeoff, according to reports. The Fokker 100 aircraft, heading for the capital, Nur-Sultan, "lost altitude during takeoff and broke through a concrete fence" before hitting a two-story building, Kazakhstan's civil aviation committee said. The aviation committee added that it was suspending all flights of Fokker 100 aircraft pending an investigation. The authorities said at least 66 people were taken to hospital, including some in grave condition. "Those responsible will face tough punishment in accordance with the law," Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev tweeted while expressing condolences. Almaty airport officials said emergency services were working at the site to get survivors out. The plane was carrying 95 passengers and five crew members. (With inputs from agencies)

Kazakhstan airplane crash: Death toll climbs to 15, several injured 

A Bosnian Muslim who pleaded guilty to terrorism charges was sentenced to four years in prison on Friday for organising a terrorist group and fighting for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/isis-has-a-new-leader-we-know-exactly-who-he-is-donald-trump-259336">Islamic State</a> (IS) in Syria, a Bosnian court said.

Ibro Cufurovic, from the northwestern town of Velika Kladusa, has been in custody since his extradition from Syria in April. He had previously been detained for about two years by a Kurdish militia in Syria.

The court cited mitigating circumstances while explaining its ruling on Cufurovic, who had used the name Abu Kasim Albosni during his five years in Syria, where he took part in militant activities alongside other Bosnians.

"The defendant admitted he was guilty," said Hasija Masovic, the court council's chairwoman. "At the time when he made the decision to leave for Syria, the defendant was only 19".

Masovic said Cufurovic had repeatedly expressed regret for his actions and had attempted to return to Bosnia, according to the defence and witnesses.

Hundreds of Bosnian citizens are believed to have left to fight for IS in Syria and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/5-years-after-islamic-state-massacre-an-iraqi-minority-is-transformed-by-trauma-264933">Iraq</a>. Many foreign nationals are now in detention camps waiting to be handed over to their countries of origin.

Also Watch: Trump warns Russia, Syria, Iran against killing civilians in Idlib

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Last week, a group of 25 former IS fighters, women and children, some of them orphaned, returned to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/diseases-food-shortages-plague-migrant-jungle-camp-in-bosnia-230757">Bosnia</a>.

Seven men were detained and questioned, while six women and 12 children, among them Cufurovic's wife and children, were taken to a reception centre for further examination and medical assistance.

Cufurovic had told the court that he fought in Syria in 2014 and 2015, but that he was detained in 2016 while trying to escape to Turkey with his family, and imprisoned.

Bosnia's state court has tried and convicted 46 people who returned from Syria or Iraq over the past few years.

A Bosnian Muslim who pleaded guilty to terrorism charges was sentenced to four years in prison on Friday for organising a terrorist group and fighting for Islamic State (IS) in Syria, a Bosnian court said.

A Bosnian Muslim who pleaded guilty to terrorism charges was sentenced to four years in prison on Friday for organising a terrorist group and fighting for Islamic State (IS) in Syria, a Bosnian court said. Ibro Cufurovic, from the northwestern town of Velika Kladusa, has been in custody since his extradition from Syria in April. He had previously been detained for about two years by a Kurdish militia in Syria. The court cited mitigating circumstances while explaining its ruling on Cufurovic, who had used the name Abu Kasim Albosni during his five years in Syria, where he took part in militant activities alongside other Bosnians. "The defendant admitted he was guilty," said Hasija Masovic, the court council's chairwoman. "At the time when he made the decision to leave for Syria, the defendant was only 19". Masovic said Cufurovic had repeatedly expressed regret for his actions and had attempted to return to Bosnia, according to the defence and witnesses. Hundreds of Bosnian citizens are believed to have left to fight for IS in Syria and Iraq. Many foreign nationals are now in detention camps waiting to be handed over to their countries of origin. Also Watch: Trump warns Russia, Syria, Iran against killing civilians in Idlib × Last week, a group of 25 former IS fighters, women and children, some of them orphaned, returned to Bosnia. Seven men were detained and questioned, while six women and 12 children, among them Cufurovic's wife and children, were taken to a reception centre for further examination and medical assistance. Cufurovic had told the court that he fought in Syria in 2014 and 2015, but that he was detained in 2016 while trying to escape to Turkey with his family, and imprisoned. Bosnia's state court has tried and convicted 46 people who returned from Syria or Iraq over the past few years.

Bosnia jails former Islamic State fighter for four years

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-inaugurates-rail-route-to-annexed-crimea-269804">President Vladimir Putin</a> on Friday that the country's first Avangard hypersonic missiles have been put into service, an official statement said.

Russian officials say the missile is highly manoeuvrable and reached the speed of Mach 27, or roughly 33,000 kilometres per hour, during tests.&nbsp;

Mach 1 is a unit of measurement equivalent to the speed of sound.&nbsp;

"The first missile regiment equipped with latest strategic missiles with the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle entered service at 10 am Moscow time on December 27", the defence ministry said, according to Russian news agencies.

Also Watch:&nbsp;'Russia; only country in world' with hypersonic weapons claims Prez Putin

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No other details were immediately provided but defence officials have said that the first Avangard regiment is based in the Orenburg Region in the Urals.

A defence ministry spokesman declined immediate comment.

Moscow has said it showed US arms inspectors the Avangard missiles in November.

Putin unveiled images of the new weapon during his state of the nation address in 2018, saying it would defeat all existing missile defence systems.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-china-russia-start-joint-naval-drills-270575">Russia</a> has boasted of developing a number of "invincible" weapons that surpass existing systems and include Sarmat intercontinental missiles and Burevestnik cruise missiles.

This week Putin said that Russia was no longer playing a game of catch-up with the West on weapons development.&nbsp;

"This is a unique situation in our modern history: they are playing catch-up with us," he said.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin on Friday that the country's first Avangard hypersonic missiles have been put into service, an official statement said.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin on Friday that the country's first Avangard hypersonic missiles have been put into service, an official statement said. Russian officials say the missile is highly manoeuvrable and reached the speed of Mach 27, or roughly 33,000 kilometres per hour, during tests. Mach 1 is a unit of measurement equivalent to the speed of sound. "The first missile regiment equipped with latest strategic missiles with the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle entered service at 10 am Moscow time on December 27", the defence ministry said, according to Russian news agencies. Also Watch: 'Russia; only country in world' with hypersonic weapons claims Prez Putin × No other details were immediately provided but defence officials have said that the first Avangard regiment is based in the Orenburg Region in the Urals. A defence ministry spokesman declined immediate comment. Moscow has said it showed US arms inspectors the Avangard missiles in November. Putin unveiled images of the new weapon during his state of the nation address in 2018, saying it would defeat all existing missile defence systems. Russia has boasted of developing a number of "invincible" weapons that surpass existing systems and include Sarmat intercontinental missiles and Burevestnik cruise missiles. This week Putin said that Russia was no longer playing a game of catch-up with the West on weapons development. "This is a unique situation in our modern history: they are playing catch-up with us," he said.

Russia says first Avangard hypersonic missiles enter service

The FBI is investigating British socialite <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/whos-who-in-the-jeffrey-epstein-sex-scandal-242638">Ghislaine Maxwell</a> and several other people linked to US&nbsp;financier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/jeffrey-epstein-how-the-man-with-famous-friends-fell-apart-242546">Jeffrey Epstein</a>, who killed himself while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, according to two law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation.

They said a principal focus of the FBI's investigation is Maxwell, a longtime associate of Epstein, and other "people who facilitated" Epstein's allegedly illegal behavior.

Maxwell has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing. Her lawyers did not respond to a request for comment.

The FBI also is following up on many leads received from women who contacted a hotline the agency set up at its New York field office in the wake of Epstein's arrest in July, the sources said.

One of the sources said the probe remains at an early stage.

The sources declined to give further details or identify the people they are looking at apart from Maxwell. However, they said the FBI has no current plans to interview <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-epstein-accuser-calls-on-prince-andrew-to-talk-to-us-authorities-263156">Britain's Prince Andrew</a>, a friend of Epstein's who stepped down from his public duties in November because of what he called his "ill-judged" association with the well-connected money manager.

A spokeswoman for the FBI declined to comment.

A representative for the British royal family said that whether the agency interviewed Andrew was "a matter for the FBI."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/psychologist-approved-jeffreys-epsteins-removal-from-suicide-watch-245240">Epstein’s suicide</a> in August, at age 66, came a little over a month after he was arrested and charged with trafficking dozens of underage girls as young as 14 from at least 2002 to 2005. Prosecutors said he recruited girls to give him massages, which became sexual in nature.

He had pleaded not guilty.

Following Epstein's arrest, the FBI urged anyone who had been victimized by Epstein or had additional information to call the agency's hotline.

US&nbsp;Attorney General William Barr vowed to carry on the case against anyone who was complicit with the financier.

"Any co-conspirators should not rest easy," he said in August.

The sources said they had received numerous tips from the hotline, which they are looking into.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-victims-express-outrage-over-sex-trafficker-jeffrey-epsteins-death-us-lawmakers-push-for-investigation-for-any-foul-play-242305">Virginia Giuffre</a>, one of Epstein's alleged victims, has said in a civil lawsuit that Maxwell recruited her into Epstein's circle, where she claims Epstein forced her to have sex with him and friends including Andrew.

Maxwell has called Giuffre's allegations lies. Giuffre in response filed a defamation suit against Maxwell in 2015.

Giuffre repeated the claims about the prince in a BBC interview that aired this month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-prince-andrew-denies-having-sex-with-epstein-accuser-262718">Andrew</a>, 59, also categorically denies the accusations and has said he has no recollection of meeting Giuffre, who was previously named Virginia Roberts.

The two law enforcement sources said the FBI's principal focus is on people who facilitated Epstein and that Andrew does not fit into that category. They did not rule out the possibility that the FBI would seek to interview Andrew at a later date.

The FBI is investigating British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell and several other people linked to US financier Jeffrey Epstein, who killed himself while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, according to two law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation.

The FBI is investigating British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell and several other people linked to US financier Jeffrey Epstein, who killed himself while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, according to two law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation. They said a principal focus of the FBI's investigation is Maxwell, a longtime associate of Epstein, and other "people who facilitated" Epstein's allegedly illegal behavior. Maxwell has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing. Her lawyers did not respond to a request for comment. The FBI also is following up on many leads received from women who contacted a hotline the agency set up at its New York field office in the wake of Epstein's arrest in July, the sources said. One of the sources said the probe remains at an early stage. The sources declined to give further details or identify the people they are looking at apart from Maxwell. However, they said the FBI has no current plans to interview Britain's Prince Andrew, a friend of Epstein's who stepped down from his public duties in November because of what he called his "ill-judged" association with the well-connected money manager. A spokeswoman for the FBI declined to comment. A representative for the British royal family said that whether the agency interviewed Andrew was "a matter for the FBI." Epstein’s suicide in August, at age 66, came a little over a month after he was arrested and charged with trafficking dozens of underage girls as young as 14 from at least 2002 to 2005. Prosecutors said he recruited girls to give him massages, which became sexual in nature. He had pleaded not guilty. Following Epstein's arrest, the FBI urged anyone who had been victimized by Epstein or had additional information to call the agency's hotline. US Attorney General William Barr vowed to carry on the case against anyone who was complicit with the financier. "Any co-conspirators should not rest easy," he said in August. The sources said they had received numerous tips from the hotline, which they are looking into. Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's alleged victims, has said in a civil lawsuit that Maxwell recruited her into Epstein's circle, where she claims Epstein forced her to have sex with him and friends including Andrew. Maxwell has called Giuffre's allegations lies. Giuffre in response filed a defamation suit against Maxwell in 2015. Giuffre repeated the claims about the prince in a BBC interview that aired this month. Andrew, 59, also categorically denies the accusations and has said he has no recollection of meeting Giuffre, who was previously named Virginia Roberts. The two law enforcement sources said the FBI's principal focus is on people who facilitated Epstein and that Andrew does not fit into that category. They did not rule out the possibility that the FBI would seek to interview Andrew at a later date.

FBI investigates Briton, others for Epstein links: Sources

The boss of a hardline French trade union on Friday vowed to press on with a strike that has crippled transport in Paris for the past three weeks and is now the longest-lasting such action since the 1980s.

The strike against pension reforms championed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colonialism-was-a-grave-mistake-french-pm-emmanuel-macron-269555">President Emmanuel Macron</a> began on December 5 and has cast a long shadow over celebrations in France for Christmas and the New Year.

Now on day 23, the union stoppage is longer than the notorious 22-day strike of the winter of 1995 under late president Jacques Chirac against welfare cutbacks which forced the then government into a U-turn.

The longest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-protests-against-pension-reform-continue-scuffle-breaks-out-at-gare-de-lyon-station-269785">transport strike</a> in France lasted for 28 days, also over Christmas, in 1986 and early 1987.

"It's a strong movement and still supported by public opinion," said Philippe Martinez, secretary-general of the CGT union as he visited picketing workers at a bus depot.

He lashed out at Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, who has said he wants no confrontation with the strikers, accusing him of not being true to his word.

"The government shows how agitated it is with this kind of conception of social dialogue," said Martinez.&nbsp;

No end in sight&nbsp;

The strike was still paralysing transport in Paris on Friday, the day the French capital should be crammed with shoppers seeking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strike-makes-for-not-so-merry-christmas-travel-in-france-269597">post-Christmas bargains</a> or preparing for the New Year.

There appears to be no end in sight to the current movement with talks between the government and unions only set to resume on January 7.

Just two driverless metro lines were working normally Friday and five lines were completely shut down. National rail operator SNCF said six out of every 10 high-speed TGV trains were running.

Union activists also blocked four depots of Paris buses -&nbsp;which have largely kept running in the strikes with a much-reduced service -&nbsp;early Friday before being dispersed peacefully by Paris police, the local authorities said.

The unions are demanding that the government drops a plan to merge 42 existing pension schemes into a single, points-based system.

The overhaul would see workers in certain sectors -&nbsp;including the railways - lose early retirement benefits.&nbsp;

The government says the pension overhaul is needed to create a fairer system.

But workers object to the inclusion of a so-called pivot age of 64 until which people would have to work to earn a full pension - two years beyond the official retirement age.

The boss of a hardline French trade union on Friday vowed to press on with a strike that has crippled transport in Paris for the past three weeks and is now the longest-lasting such action since the 1980s.

The boss of a hardline French trade union on Friday vowed to press on with a strike that has crippled transport in Paris for the past three weeks and is now the longest-lasting such action since the 1980s. The strike against pension reforms championed by President Emmanuel Macron began on December 5 and has cast a long shadow over celebrations in France for Christmas and the New Year. Now on day 23, the union stoppage is longer than the notorious 22-day strike of the winter of 1995 under late president Jacques Chirac against welfare cutbacks which forced the then government into a U-turn. The longest transport strike in France lasted for 28 days, also over Christmas, in 1986 and early 1987. "It's a strong movement and still supported by public opinion," said Philippe Martinez, secretary-general of the CGT union as he visited picketing workers at a bus depot. He lashed out at Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, who has said he wants no confrontation with the strikers, accusing him of not being true to his word. "The government shows how agitated it is with this kind of conception of social dialogue," said Martinez. No end in sight The strike was still paralysing transport in Paris on Friday, the day the French capital should be crammed with shoppers seeking post-Christmas bargains or preparing for the New Year. There appears to be no end in sight to the current movement with talks between the government and unions only set to resume on January 7. Just two driverless metro lines were working normally Friday and five lines were completely shut down. National rail operator SNCF said six out of every 10 high-speed TGV trains were running. Union activists also blocked four depots of Paris buses - which have largely kept running in the strikes with a much-reduced service - early Friday before being dispersed peacefully by Paris police, the local authorities said. The unions are demanding that the government drops a plan to merge 42 existing pension schemes into a single, points-based system. The overhaul would see workers in certain sectors - including the railways - lose early retirement benefits. The government says the pension overhaul is needed to create a fairer system. But workers object to the inclusion of a so-called pivot age of 64 until which people would have to work to earn a full pension - two years beyond the official retirement age.

Union boss defiant on France's longest strike in decades

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