The first law on domestic violence was passed just 40 years back. Domestic violence is something that can also impact a country's economy.

A new World Bank report on domestic violence throws light on some startling facts.

The World Bank's group project 'Women, Business and the Law' has analysed five decades of data to track the global progress in the enactment of domestic violence legislation.

What began with Ireland in 1981, 155 countries have now introduced domestic violence legislation.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/75-of-children-die-in-mass-shootings-in-us-were-victims-of-domestic-violence-report-263699">75% of children died in mass shootings in US were victims of domestic violence</a>

Over the past two years, eight countries including the UAE, Armenia, Burkina Faso and Morocco have adopted laws on domestic violence for the first time.

While 80 per cent of countries provide legal protection to women, 35 per cent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime by an intimate partner.&nbsp;

137 women across the world are murdered by a member of their family every day.&nbsp;

According to the report titled 'Pointing the finger at domestic violence', women suffering domestic violence are at higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-650000-sign-russia-petition-to-boost-domestic-violence-law-239456">Over 650,000 sign Russia petition to boost domestic violence law</a>

Their daughters are more likely to be abused by their partners and their sons more likely to become abusers themselves.

Interestingly, women's safety is as crucial to the economy as it is to women themselves.

Taking into account costs borne by women and their countries due to expenditure on health care, legal, housing, and social services.

The economic cost of domestic violence has been estimated to correspond to about 4.4 trillion dollars or 5.2 per cent of global GDP.

Today, 35 countries in every region of the world still lack legislation aimed at protecting women from violence.

The first law on domestic violence was passed just 40 years back. Domestic violence is something that can also impact a country's economy. A new World Bank report on domestic violence throws light on some startling facts.

The first law on domestic violence was passed just 40 years back. Domestic violence is something that can also impact a country's economy. A new World Bank report on domestic violence throws light on some startling facts. The World Bank's group project 'Women, Business and the Law' has analysed five decades of data to track the global progress in the enactment of domestic violence legislation. What began with Ireland in 1981, 155 countries have now introduced domestic violence legislation. Also read: 75% of children died in mass shootings in US were victims of domestic violence Over the past two years, eight countries including the UAE, Armenia, Burkina Faso and Morocco have adopted laws on domestic violence for the first time. While 80 per cent of countries provide legal protection to women, 35 per cent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime by an intimate partner. 137 women across the world are murdered by a member of their family every day. According to the report titled 'Pointing the finger at domestic violence', women suffering domestic violence are at higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Also read: Over 650,000 sign Russia petition to boost domestic violence law Their daughters are more likely to be abused by their partners and their sons more likely to become abusers themselves. Interestingly, women's safety is as crucial to the economy as it is to women themselves. Taking into account costs borne by women and their countries due to expenditure on health care, legal, housing, and social services. The economic cost of domestic violence has been estimated to correspond to about 4.4 trillion dollars or 5.2 per cent of global GDP. Today, 35 countries in every region of the world still lack legislation aimed at protecting women from violence.

Domestic violence: World Bank report puts forth shocking revelations 

After a Supreme Court rap for missing payment deadline, top telecom firms Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Tata Teleservices on Monday scrambled to pay a part of the outstanding dues even as the apex court refused to stop the government from taking coercive action for any further delay in clearing full dues.

While Airtel paid Rs 10,000 crore, Vodafone Idea Ltd put in Rs 2,500 crore and promised to pay another Rs 1,000 crore before the end of the week. Tata Teleservices Ltd paid Rs 2,197 crore, the entire outstanding it believes to have arisen after the October 24 ruling of the apex court for calculating dues after adding non-telecom revenues.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which was last week rapped on the knuckles for ordering no coercive action even after telcos missed the January 23 payment deadline set by the Supreme Court, is mulling the option of encashing bank guarantees given by firms when they got telecom licences, sources said.

Encashing of the bank guarantees may sound the death knell for companies such as Vodafone Idea Ltd which has been struggling to garner the dues. 
In a related development, the telecom companies started disputing the DoT estimate of the due amount and indicated they will pay as per their 'self-assessment'.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-telecom-story-consequences-of-supreme-courts-ruling-281215">The telecom tremors - Consequences of Supreme Court's ruling</a>

The telecom department officials will meet on Tuesday to discuss whether or not the bank guarantees should be encashed, as none of the telcos has paid the full payment.

Sources said that the option of encashment of bank guarantees is being considered and that "nothing is off the table". A decision on the matter may be taken on Tuesday, the source added.

Separately, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das in an interview to PTI said that the central bank is "very closely monitoring" the fallout of the crisis on lenders.

In the Supreme Court, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing on behalf of Vodafone Idea, urged for no coercive action after the initial payment of Rs 2,500 crore is made by the end of the day and another Rs 1,000 crore by Friday. The apex court rejected the plea, giving room to DoT to take coercive action including encashment of the bank guarantees.

A financial bank guarantee is equal to two quarters of licence fee and other dues. This amount could be in the range of Rs 5,000 crore for Airtel and Vodafone Idea.

Meanwhile, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday said he believes non-telecom PSUs are not covered by the Supreme Court order that asked telecom licence holders to pay statutory dues after including non-telecom revenues.

Following the October 24 Supreme Court ruling that non-telecom revenues of telecom firms such as Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea should be included for considering payments of government dues, the telecom department sought Rs 1.83 lakh crore from gas utility GAIL India Ltd, about Rs 48,500 crore from OIL, Rs 21,953.65 crore from Power Grid Corp and Rs 15,020 crore from Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers &amp; Chemicals Ltd.

The government's demand from such companies was many times more than their net worth.

"The DoT has served notice to government oil companies due to some communication gap. We have placed our side after doing all legal consultations," Pradhan said adding telecom was not a core business for these PSUs.

The Supreme Court last week rejected a plea by mobile carriers such as Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea Ltd for extension in the payment schedule and asked them to deposit an estimated Rs 1.47 lakh crore in past dues for spectrum and licences. It threatened to initiate contempt proceedings against top executives of these firms for non-payment.

Some telecom firms are already struggling with mounting losses and debt and the additional liability has raised concerns of them defaulting on existing loans.

Of the estimated dues that include interest and penalty for late payments, Airtel and Vodafone Idea owe about 60 per cent.

While Airtel on Monday paid Rs 10,000 crore out of the Rs 35,586 crore dues that DoT thinks the company owes to the government, Vodafone Idea paid Rs 2,500 crore and promised to pay another Rs 1,000 crore by Friday to clear a part of the DoT estimated dues of Rs 53,000 crore.

Airtel said it will clear the remaining dues before the next date of hearing on March 17 but Vodafone Idea has so far not provided a clear deadline for making further payments.

"Tata Teleservices Ltd and Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Ltd have made a payment of Rs 2,197 crore to the DoT towards license fee and spectrum usage charges," the company said in a statement.

The payment is to settle all its AGR outstanding.

"TTSL and TTML have also submitted to DoT the details of calculations in support of the payment," it said.

In a regulatory filing, Bharti Airtel said it has paid "an amount of Rs 10,000 crore to the DoT" which includes an amount on behalf of Telenor India (the firm which merged with the company) and Rs 500 crore on behalf of Bharti Hexacom Limited, a subsidiary.

"The company is in a process of completing the self-assessment exercise expeditiously and will make the balance payment upon completion of the same, before the next date of hearing in the Supreme Court," it added.

In a separate statement, Vodafone Idea Ltd said its authorised the company to pay Rs 2,500 crore immediately and another Rs 1,000 crore before the end of the week.

"The board will take further stock of the situation to see how further additional payments can be made," the company said in a regulatory filing.

After a Supreme Court rap for missing payment deadline, top telecom firms Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Tata Teleservices on Monday scrambled to pay a part of the outstanding dues even as the apex court refused to stop the government from taking coercive action for any further delay in clearing full dues.

After a Supreme Court rap for missing payment deadline, top telecom firms Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Tata Teleservices on Monday scrambled to pay a part of the outstanding dues even as the apex court refused to stop the government from taking coercive action for any further delay in clearing full dues. While Airtel paid Rs 10,000 crore, Vodafone Idea Ltd put in Rs 2,500 crore and promised to pay another Rs 1,000 crore before the end of the week. Tata Teleservices Ltd paid Rs 2,197 crore, the entire outstanding it believes to have arisen after the October 24 ruling of the apex court for calculating dues after adding non-telecom revenues. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which was last week rapped on the knuckles for ordering no coercive action even after telcos missed the January 23 payment deadline set by the Supreme Court, is mulling the option of encashing bank guarantees given by firms when they got telecom licences, sources said. Encashing of the bank guarantees may sound the death knell for companies such as Vodafone Idea Ltd which has been struggling to garner the dues. In a related development, the telecom companies started disputing the DoT estimate of the due amount and indicated they will pay as per their 'self-assessment'. Also read: The telecom tremors - Consequences of Supreme Court's ruling The telecom department officials will meet on Tuesday to discuss whether or not the bank guarantees should be encashed, as none of the telcos has paid the full payment. Sources said that the option of encashment of bank guarantees is being considered and that "nothing is off the table". A decision on the matter may be taken on Tuesday, the source added. Separately, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das in an interview to PTI said that the central bank is "very closely monitoring" the fallout of the crisis on lenders. In the Supreme Court, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing on behalf of Vodafone Idea, urged for no coercive action after the initial payment of Rs 2,500 crore is made by the end of the day and another Rs 1,000 crore by Friday. The apex court rejected the plea, giving room to DoT to take coercive action including encashment of the bank guarantees. A financial bank guarantee is equal to two quarters of licence fee and other dues. This amount could be in the range of Rs 5,000 crore for Airtel and Vodafone Idea. Meanwhile, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday said he believes non-telecom PSUs are not covered by the Supreme Court order that asked telecom licence holders to pay statutory dues after including non-telecom revenues. Following the October 24 Supreme Court ruling that non-telecom revenues of telecom firms such as Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea should be included for considering payments of government dues, the telecom department sought Rs 1.83 lakh crore from gas utility GAIL India Ltd, about Rs 48,500 crore from OIL, Rs 21,953.65 crore from Power Grid Corp and Rs 15,020 crore from Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd. The government's demand from such companies was many times more than their net worth. "The DoT has served notice to government oil companies due to some communication gap. We have placed our side after doing all legal consultations," Pradhan said adding telecom was not a core business for these PSUs. The Supreme Court last week rejected a plea by mobile carriers such as Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea Ltd for extension in the payment schedule and asked them to deposit an estimated Rs 1.47 lakh crore in past dues for spectrum and licences. It threatened to initiate contempt proceedings against top executives of these firms for non-payment. Some telecom firms are already struggling with mounting losses and debt and the additional liability has raised concerns of them defaulting on existing loans. Of the estimated dues that include interest and penalty for late payments, Airtel and Vodafone Idea owe about 60 per cent. While Airtel on Monday paid Rs 10,000 crore out of the Rs 35,586 crore dues that DoT thinks the company owes to the government, Vodafone Idea paid Rs 2,500 crore and promised to pay another Rs 1,000 crore by Friday to clear a part of the DoT estimated dues of Rs 53,000 crore. Airtel said it will clear the remaining dues before the next date of hearing on March 17 but Vodafone Idea has so far not provided a clear deadline for making further payments. "Tata Teleservices Ltd and Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Ltd have made a payment of Rs 2,197 crore to the DoT towards license fee and spectrum usage charges," the company said in a statement. The payment is to settle all its AGR outstanding. "TTSL and TTML have also submitted to DoT the details of calculations in support of the payment," it said. In a regulatory filing, Bharti Airtel said it has paid "an amount of Rs 10,000 crore to the DoT" which includes an amount on behalf of Telenor India (the firm which merged with the company) and Rs 500 crore on behalf of Bharti Hexacom Limited, a subsidiary. "The company is in a process of completing the self-assessment exercise expeditiously and will make the balance payment upon completion of the same, before the next date of hearing in the Supreme Court," it added. In a separate statement, Vodafone Idea Ltd said its authorised the company to pay Rs 2,500 crore immediately and another Rs 1,000 crore before the end of the week. "The board will take further stock of the situation to see how further additional payments can be made," the company said in a regulatory filing.

Airtel, Voda, Idea make part payment; DoT mulls encashing bank guarantees

At least seven people have been killed and nearly 20 wounded in an explosion that took place in Pakistan's Quetta, Balochistan.&nbsp;

According to reports, the blast took place during a demonstration at the Quetta Press Club near the Shahrah-i-Adalat.&nbsp;

Many vehicles parked in the vicinity have also been damaged due to the impact of the blast, The Dawn reported.

The area has been cordoned off while a search operation is underway.&nbsp;

The nature of the blast has not yet been ascertained.

Minister of Interior Blaochistan Zia Langove said that the number of those injured by the blast may rise.

News agency Reuters reported the explosion as a suicide attack which targeted a police vehicle.

Two police personnel were among those killed in the blast in the city of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"We have received 10 bodies so far and 35 injured in Civil Hospital,” a hospital official told Reuters.

Two police personnel were among the dead, a senior police official confirmed.

(With inputs from Reuters and PTI)

 
&nbsp;

At least seven people have been killed and nearly 20 wounded in an explosion that took place in Pakistan's Quetta, Balochistan. According to reports, the blast took place during a demonstration at the Quetta Press Club near the Shahrah-i-Adalat.

At least seven people have been killed and nearly 20 wounded in an explosion that took place in Pakistan's Quetta, Balochistan. According to reports, the blast took place during a demonstration at the Quetta Press Club near the Shahrah-i-Adalat. Many vehicles parked in the vicinity have also been damaged due to the impact of the blast, The Dawn reported. The area has been cordoned off while a search operation is underway. The nature of the blast has not yet been ascertained. Minister of Interior Blaochistan Zia Langove said that the number of those injured by the blast may rise. News agency Reuters reported the explosion as a suicide attack which targeted a police vehicle. Two police personnel were among those killed in the blast in the city of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, Reuters reported. "We have received 10 bodies so far and 35 injured in Civil Hospital,” a hospital official told Reuters. Two police personnel were among the dead, a senior police official confirmed. (With inputs from Reuters and PTI)

Pakistan: Blast in Quetta kills at least 7, nearly 20 wounded

A day after British MP Debbie Abrahams was denied entry into New Delhi, the Indian embassy in here clarified that the Labour lawmaker did not hold a valid visa and there is no provision for visa on arrival for UK nationals.

"Mission has confirmed from the Indian immigration authorities that Debbie Abrahams did not hold a valid visa. Further, there is no provision for visa on arrival for UK nationals. She was accordingly requested to return," tweeted Indian mission in the UK.

Abrahams'&nbsp;denied the entry at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Monday after she arrived on Emirates flight from Dubai at 9 am.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/british-lawmaker-denied-entry-in-india-after-she-lands-in-delhi-airport-281312">British lawmaker denied entry in India after she lands in Delhi airport&nbsp;</a>

Informed sources from the Ministry of Home Affairs told ANI that e-visa was cancelled so she was not allowed entry in Delhi today after she arrived.

According to media reports, Abrahams, who chairs a parliamentary group on Kashmir, has been an outspoken critic of the Indian government's actions on Kashmir.

Abrahams raised a question that her visa was denied as she has been critical of the Indian Government on Kashmir.

"Why did the Indian Government revoke my visa AFTER it was granted? Why didn't they let me get a 'visa on arrival'? Is it because I have been critical of the Indian Government on #Kashmir human rights issues?" she tweeted.&nbsp;

A day after British MP Debbie Abrahams was denied entry into New Delhi, the Indian embassy in here clarified that the Labour lawmaker did not hold a valid visa and there is no provision for visa on arrival for UK nationals.

A day after British MP Debbie Abrahams was denied entry into New Delhi, the Indian embassy in here clarified that the Labour lawmaker did not hold a valid visa and there is no provision for visa on arrival for UK nationals. "Mission has confirmed from the Indian immigration authorities that Debbie Abrahams did not hold a valid visa. Further, there is no provision for visa on arrival for UK nationals. She was accordingly requested to return," tweeted Indian mission in the UK. Abrahams' denied the entry at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Monday after she arrived on Emirates flight from Dubai at 9 am. Also read: British lawmaker denied entry in India after she lands in Delhi airport Informed sources from the Ministry of Home Affairs told ANI that e-visa was cancelled so she was not allowed entry in Delhi today after she arrived. According to media reports, Abrahams, who chairs a parliamentary group on Kashmir, has been an outspoken critic of the Indian government's actions on Kashmir. Abrahams raised a question that her visa was denied as she has been critical of the Indian Government on Kashmir. "Why did the Indian Government revoke my visa AFTER it was granted? Why didn't they let me get a 'visa on arrival'? Is it because I have been critical of the Indian Government on #Kashmir human rights issues?" she tweeted.

British MP Abrahams was denied entry in India as she didn't hold valid visa: Indian Mission

FATF subgroup on Tuesday recommended Pakistan's continuation on 'Grey List'. The final decision will be taken on Friday when the FATF takes up issues concerning Pakistan.&nbsp;

The International Co-operation Review Group (ICRG), a part of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), evaluated whether or not Pakistan has taken sufficient steps and implemented its plan of action to fight the global menace.

Pakistan was facing the possibility of getting slapped with additional sanctions if it would have "blacklisted". If put on a 'blacklist', Pakistan would have faced isolation from the international banking system, introducing stricter checks and safeguards on transactions involving the country.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jaish-e-mohammeds-masood-azhar-has-gone-missing-with-his-family-pakistan-informs-fatf-280971">Jaish-e-Mohammed's Masood Azhar has gone missing with his family - Pakistan informs FATF</a>

The South Asian nation was to submit a report on action regarding the implementation of the watchdog's plan of action during the Paris meeting.&nbsp;

More than 800 representatives from 205 countries and jurisdictions around the world including the IMF, UN, World Bank, and other organisations were in attendance in the meeting.

The FATF, a global terror financing watchdog, in 2018 placed Pakistan on the grey list and the watchdog has already granted Islamabad an extension till February 2020 during a meeting in October last year.

The FATF's Asia-Pacific Group's meeting, which took place in Beijing last year in October, analyzed Pakistan's situation from a technical point of view.

China, who took over as the chair of the inter-governmental organisation since July 2019, expressed satisfaction over the "visible progress" made by Islamabad, leading to speculations that it could be put in a "white" list from "grey" list, according to Pakistan media reports.

The body warned that Islamabad would be put on the blacklist if it did not comply with the remaining 22 out of 27 points related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;&nbsp;

FATF subgroup on Tuesday recommended Pakistan's continuation on 'Grey List'. The final decision will be taken on Friday when the FATF takes up issues concerning Pakistan.

FATF subgroup on Tuesday recommended Pakistan's continuation on 'Grey List'. The final decision will be taken on Friday when the FATF takes up issues concerning Pakistan. The International Co-operation Review Group (ICRG), a part of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), evaluated whether or not Pakistan has taken sufficient steps and implemented its plan of action to fight the global menace. Pakistan was facing the possibility of getting slapped with additional sanctions if it would have "blacklisted". If put on a 'blacklist', Pakistan would have faced isolation from the international banking system, introducing stricter checks and safeguards on transactions involving the country. Also read: Jaish-e-Mohammed's Masood Azhar has gone missing with his family - Pakistan informs FATF The South Asian nation was to submit a report on action regarding the implementation of the watchdog's plan of action during the Paris meeting. More than 800 representatives from 205 countries and jurisdictions around the world including the IMF, UN, World Bank, and other organisations were in attendance in the meeting. The FATF, a global terror financing watchdog, in 2018 placed Pakistan on the grey list and the watchdog has already granted Islamabad an extension till February 2020 during a meeting in October last year. The FATF's Asia-Pacific Group's meeting, which took place in Beijing last year in October, analyzed Pakistan's situation from a technical point of view. China, who took over as the chair of the inter-governmental organisation since July 2019, expressed satisfaction over the "visible progress" made by Islamabad, leading to speculations that it could be put in a "white" list from "grey" list, according to Pakistan media reports. The body warned that Islamabad would be put on the blacklist if it did not comply with the remaining 22 out of 27 points related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan to remain on FATF grey list, relieved from additional sanctions; final decision on Friday

The Indian rupee tumbled by 24 paise to settle at 71.56 (provisional) against the US dollar on Tuesday as concerns over the economic fallout from coronavirus outbreak continued to roil forex market sentiment.

Besides, sustained foreign fund outflows and subdued equities also put pressure on the rupee.

Starting off the session on a weaker note, the rupee weakened further to hit the day's low of 71.56 against the American currency. The domestic unit finally settled the day at 71.56, a drop of 24 paise over its previous close.

The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, rose by 0.15 per cent to 99.15.

The 10-year government bond yield was at 6.39 per cent.

Global crude oil benchmark Brent futures dropped 1.89 per cent to trade at $56.58 per barrel.

"Rupee started the day at weak note crossing beyond 71.50, majorly on back of selling from institution in risky assets as FIIs (are) likely to be pulling out money from equities as the global market keep a check on slowdown affects on rising Coronavirus fears in China," LKP Securities Senior Research Analyst (Commodity &amp; Currency) Jateen Trivedi said.

The Financial Benchmark India Private Ltd (FBIL) set the reference rate for the rupee/dollar at 71.4259 and for rupee/euro at 77.4162. The reference rate for rupee/British pound was fixed at 93.1737 and for rupee/100 Japanese yen at 65.02.

On the equities front, the Sensex was down 161.31 points or 0.39 per cent at 40,894.38, while the NSE barometer Nifty settled at 11,992.50, showing a fall of 53.30 points or 0.44 per cent.

Meanwhile, worries over rising death toll and the economic fallout from the novel coronavirus continued to haunt investors globally.

The coronavirus epidemic that emerged in central China has now killed nearly 1,800 people and has spread around the world.&nbsp;

The Indian rupee tumbled by 24 paise to settle at 71.56 (provisional) against the US dollar on Tuesday as concerns over the economic fallout from coronavirus outbreak continued to roil forex market sentiment.

The Indian rupee tumbled by 24 paise to settle at 71.56 (provisional) against the US dollar on Tuesday as concerns over the economic fallout from coronavirus outbreak continued to roil forex market sentiment. Besides, sustained foreign fund outflows and subdued equities also put pressure on the rupee. Starting off the session on a weaker note, the rupee weakened further to hit the day's low of 71.56 against the American currency. The domestic unit finally settled the day at 71.56, a drop of 24 paise over its previous close. The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, rose by 0.15 per cent to 99.15. The 10-year government bond yield was at 6.39 per cent. Global crude oil benchmark Brent futures dropped 1.89 per cent to trade at $56.58 per barrel. "Rupee started the day at weak note crossing beyond 71.50, majorly on back of selling from institution in risky assets as FIIs (are) likely to be pulling out money from equities as the global market keep a check on slowdown affects on rising Coronavirus fears in China," LKP Securities Senior Research Analyst (Commodity & Currency) Jateen Trivedi said. The Financial Benchmark India Private Ltd (FBIL) set the reference rate for the rupee/dollar at 71.4259 and for rupee/euro at 77.4162. The reference rate for rupee/British pound was fixed at 93.1737 and for rupee/100 Japanese yen at 65.02. On the equities front, the Sensex was down 161.31 points or 0.39 per cent at 40,894.38, while the NSE barometer Nifty settled at 11,992.50, showing a fall of 53.30 points or 0.44 per cent. Meanwhile, worries over rising death toll and the economic fallout from the novel coronavirus continued to haunt investors globally. The coronavirus epidemic that emerged in central China has now killed nearly 1,800 people and has spread around the world.

Rupee slips 24 paise to settle at 71.56 against US dollar

Companies in India are projected to dole out an average salary hike of 9.1 per cent this year, the highest level in the Asia Pacific region, as they look for key talent and niche skills, says a report.

However, the quantum is lower than 9.3 per cent increase seen in 2019 and also the lowest in a decade.

Leading HR consultancy Aon's annual salary hike survey released on Tuesday also showed that around 39 per cent of the companies surveyed are expected to give as much as 10 per cent increase in pay.

The results are based on responses from over 1,000 organisations spread across more than 20 industries.

In the Asia-Pacific region, India is expected to dole out the highest salary hike at 9.1 per cent, followed by China at 6.3 per cent this year.

For India, the previous lowest quantum of the hike was 6.6 per cent in 2009, as per Aon.

As per the survey, Philippines is anticipated to see a salary rise of 5.8 per cent, followed by Malaysia (5.3 per cent), Singapore (3.8 per cent) and Australia (3.1 per cent) in 2020.

"Despite economic challenges in 2019, organisations in India are taking a positive view. Pay increases in India continue to be the highest in the region," Tzeitel Fernandes, Partner (Rewards Solutions) at Aon told reporters.

A big reason for India's higher salary increase, as compared to other growing economies, is the high inflation rate and the war for key talent and niche skills, Fernandes noted.

In 2019, companies in India gave an average pay increase of 9.3 per cent, reflecting a slowdown in the economy compared to 2018, the survey said.

According to the survey, 39 per cent of firms are expected to raise the salary over 10 per cent while 42 per cent would go for an increase between 8-10 per cent.

In the manufacturing segment, pharmaceuticals is expected to give the highest salary hike followed by FMCG and chemicals, among others.

E-commerce and professional services businesses are expected to give double-digit salary increase this year in the services sector.

"We see a reduction in the differences between pay increases across industries, with 85 per cent of the organisations projecting between 7-11 per cent, a sign of maturing business ecosystems.

"However, the premium for high performance and new-age skills continues to rise," Navneet Rattan, Director (Organisation, Performance and Rewards) at Aon India, said.

About business outlook, 92 per cent of the firms surveyed expect their business improving or stabilising in 2020 while the rest 8 per cent felt there would be a decline in business.&nbsp;

Companies in India are projected to dole out an average salary hike of 9.1 per cent this year, the highest level in the Asia Pacific region, as they look for key talent and niche skills, says a report.

Companies in India are projected to dole out an average salary hike of 9.1 per cent this year, the highest level in the Asia Pacific region, as they look for key talent and niche skills, says a report. However, the quantum is lower than 9.3 per cent increase seen in 2019 and also the lowest in a decade. Leading HR consultancy Aon's annual salary hike survey released on Tuesday also showed that around 39 per cent of the companies surveyed are expected to give as much as 10 per cent increase in pay. The results are based on responses from over 1,000 organisations spread across more than 20 industries. In the Asia-Pacific region, India is expected to dole out the highest salary hike at 9.1 per cent, followed by China at 6.3 per cent this year. For India, the previous lowest quantum of the hike was 6.6 per cent in 2009, as per Aon. As per the survey, Philippines is anticipated to see a salary rise of 5.8 per cent, followed by Malaysia (5.3 per cent), Singapore (3.8 per cent) and Australia (3.1 per cent) in 2020. "Despite economic challenges in 2019, organisations in India are taking a positive view. Pay increases in India continue to be the highest in the region," Tzeitel Fernandes, Partner (Rewards Solutions) at Aon told reporters. A big reason for India's higher salary increase, as compared to other growing economies, is the high inflation rate and the war for key talent and niche skills, Fernandes noted. In 2019, companies in India gave an average pay increase of 9.3 per cent, reflecting a slowdown in the economy compared to 2018, the survey said. According to the survey, 39 per cent of firms are expected to raise the salary over 10 per cent while 42 per cent would go for an increase between 8-10 per cent. In the manufacturing segment, pharmaceuticals is expected to give the highest salary hike followed by FMCG and chemicals, among others. E-commerce and professional services businesses are expected to give double-digit salary increase this year in the services sector. "We see a reduction in the differences between pay increases across industries, with 85 per cent of the organisations projecting between 7-11 per cent, a sign of maturing business ecosystems. "However, the premium for high performance and new-age skills continues to rise," Navneet Rattan, Director (Organisation, Performance and Rewards) at Aon India, said. About business outlook, 92 per cent of the firms surveyed expect their business improving or stabilising in 2020 while the rest 8 per cent felt there would be a decline in business.

Lowest in a decade! India Inc to dole out average 9.1% salary hike in 2020

Equity benchmark indices <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nifty-sensex-fall-as-telecom-exposure-weighs-on-banks-281144">Sensex </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nifty-sensex-fall-as-telecom-exposure-weighs-on-banks-281144">Nifty</a> closed in the red for the fourth session in a row on Tuesday as the ongoing AGR issue weighed on telecom and financial stocks.

After trading in the deep red for a better part of the session, the BSE gauge Sensex reclaimed most of its lost ground towards the fag-end.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airtel-voda-idea-make-part-payment-dot-mulls-encashing-bank-guarantees-281229">Airtel, Voda, Idea make part payment; DoT mulls encashing bank guarantees</a>

At the closing bell, the index was down 161.31 points or 0.39 per cent at 40,894.38.

Intra-day, the Sensex fell over 444 points and touched the day's low of 40,610.95.

The NSE barometer Nifty too staged a late recovery from the day's low and settled at 11,992.50, showing a fall of 53.30 points or 0.44 per cent.

On the Sensex chart, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airtel-voda-idea-make-part-payment-dot-mulls-encashing-bank-guarantees-281229">Bharti Airtel</a> was the biggest loser with nearly 3 per cent drop in its share price. It was followed by IndusInd Bank, Maruti Suzuki, HeroMoto Corp and Tata Steel.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-telecom-story-consequences-of-supreme-courts-ruling-281215">The telecom tremors: Consequences of Supreme Court's ruling</a>

In contrast, SBI, Infosys, PowerGrid, Tech Mahindra and TCS featured among major gainers.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-telecom-story-consequences-of-supreme-courts-ruling-281215">Supreme Court</a> on Monday refused to stop the telecom department from taking any coercive steps for recovery of dues from Vodafone Idea.

Shares of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airtel-voda-idea-make-part-payment-dot-mulls-encashing-bank-guarantees-281229">Vodafone Idea</a> on Tuesday tanked more than 16 per cent in intra-day trade due to rating downgrade on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-telecom-story-consequences-of-supreme-courts-ruling-281215">AGR</a> dues and other issues of the company.

Asian markets, barring China, closed with heavy losses.

Meanwhile, worries over the rising death toll and the economic fallout from the novel coronavirus continued to haunt investors globally.

The coronavirus epidemic that emerged in central China has now killed nearly 1,800 people and spread around the world.

The death toll from China's coronavirus epidemic climbed to 1,868 on Tuesday as 98 more people died while the total number of confirmed cases jumped to 72,436.&nbsp;

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed in the red for the fourth session in a row on Tuesday as the ongoing AGR issue weighed on telecom and financial stocks.

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed in the red for the fourth session in a row on Tuesday as the ongoing AGR issue weighed on telecom and financial stocks. After trading in the deep red for a better part of the session, the BSE gauge Sensex reclaimed most of its lost ground towards the fag-end. Also read: Airtel, Voda, Idea make part payment; DoT mulls encashing bank guarantees At the closing bell, the index was down 161.31 points or 0.39 per cent at 40,894.38. Intra-day, the Sensex fell over 444 points and touched the day's low of 40,610.95. The NSE barometer Nifty too staged a late recovery from the day's low and settled at 11,992.50, showing a fall of 53.30 points or 0.44 per cent. On the Sensex chart, Bharti Airtel was the biggest loser with nearly 3 per cent drop in its share price. It was followed by IndusInd Bank, Maruti Suzuki, HeroMoto Corp and Tata Steel. Also read: The telecom tremors: Consequences of Supreme Court's ruling In contrast, SBI, Infosys, PowerGrid, Tech Mahindra and TCS featured among major gainers. The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stop the telecom department from taking any coercive steps for recovery of dues from Vodafone Idea. Shares of Vodafone Idea on Tuesday tanked more than 16 per cent in intra-day trade due to rating downgrade on AGR dues and other issues of the company. Asian markets, barring China, closed with heavy losses. Meanwhile, worries over the rising death toll and the economic fallout from the novel coronavirus continued to haunt investors globally. The coronavirus epidemic that emerged in central China has now killed nearly 1,800 people and spread around the world. The death toll from China's coronavirus epidemic climbed to 1,868 on Tuesday as 98 more people died while the total number of confirmed cases jumped to 72,436.

Sensex, Nifty clock 4th successive loss; AGR woes hit telecom, financial stocks

The Syrian army said on Monday it had taken full control of dozens of towns in Aleppo's northwestern countryside and it would press on with its campaign to wipe out militant groups "wherever they are found".

The advances were made after President Bashar al-Assad's forces drove insurgents from the M5 highway linking Aleppo to Damascus, reopening the fastest route between Syria's two biggest cities for the first time in years in a big strategic gain for Assad.

Assad said on Monday his forces' rapid recent gains presaged the eventual defeat of the nine-year insurgency that sought to oust him from power. But in an appearance televised by state media, he also cautioned that the conflict was not yet over.

"We know this liberation does not mean the end of the war or the crushing of all plots or the end of terror or the surrender of the enemy, but it definitely rubs their noses in the dirt," Assad said. "This is a prelude to their (opposition forces') final defeat, sooner or later."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/900000-people-displaced-by-fighting-in-northwest-syria-since-december-un-281225">900,000 people displaced by fighting in northwest Syria since December - UN</a>

Backed by heavy Russian airstrikes and aided by pro-Iranian militias, government forces have intensified since the start of the year their campaign to recapture the Aleppo countryside and parts of neighbouring Idlib province in the far northwest of Syria where anti-Assad insurgents hold their last strongholds.

Russian and government airstrikes on Monday hit Darat Izza, near the Turkish border about 30 km (20 miles) north of Aleppo city, wounding several civilians and forcing two hospitals to close, according to hospital staff.

Witnesses also reported airstrikes in southern areas of Idlib province in what the opposition said was a "scorched earth policy" that has left dozens of towns and villages in ruins.

The advances sent hundreds of thousands of Syrian civilians fleeing towards the border with Turkey in the biggest single displacement of the nine-year-old war.

The United Nations said on Monday that over 875,000 Syrians, mostly children and women, have now fled towns and villages targeted by the heavy aerial bombing campaign since December&nbsp;1.

More than 40,000 have been displaced in the last four days alone from western Aleppo province, the scene of heavy fighting, said David Swanson, a U.N. spokesman.&nbsp;

The offensive has also upset the fragile cooperation between Ankara and Moscow, which back opposing factions in the conflict.

Turkey and Russia began a new round of talks in Moscow on Monday after several demands by Ankara that Assad's forces should back down and a ceasefire be put in place.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-turkey-call-for-russia-to-stop-backing-syrian-atrocities-281103">President Trump, Turkey call Russia to stop backing Syrian 'atrocities'</a>

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Islamist militant attacks on Russian bases and Syrian positions have continued and "it is not possible to leave this unanswered".

"Troops from Russia and Turkey on the ground in Syria, in Idlib, are in constant contact with each other, looking at changes in the conditions. They have a full understanding of each other," said Lavrov.

However, the Syrian armed forces said they would push on with what they called their "sacred and noble task to rid what remains of terrorist organisations wherever on Syria's geography they are found".

Syrian forces had taken full control of dozens of towns in Aleppo's northwestern countryside, they said in a statement.

Syrian Transport Minister Ali Hammoud announced on Monday the reopening of Aleppo international airport with the first flight, from Damascus to Aleppo, scheduled for Wednesday and flights to Cairo to be announced within days, state news agency SANA reported.

The pro-Damascus Al-Watan newspaper said the M5 highway, a vital artery in northern Syria, would be ready for civilian use by the end of the week. Aleppo city, once Syria's economic hub, was the scene of some of the most vicious fighting of the war between 2012 and 2016.

The Syrian army has also opened the international roadway from northern Aleppo to the towns of Zahraa and Nubl towards the Turkish border, a military news service run by Lebanon's Assad-allied pro-Damascus Hezbollah group said.

The insurgent forces arrayed against Assad include Western-backed rebels and jihadist militants.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said his military will drive back Syrian forces if they do not withdraw from Idlib by the end of the month. On Saturday, he appeared to move that date forward, saying Turkey would "handle it" before the end of the month if there was no pullback.

Alarmed by the new refugee crisis on its border, Turkey has sent thousands of troops and hundreds of convoys of military equipment to reinforce its observation posts in Idlib, established under a 2018 de-escalation agreement with Russia.

The Syrian army said on Monday it had taken full control of dozens of towns in Aleppo's northwestern countryside and it would press on with its campaign to wipe out militant groups "wherever they are found".

The Syrian army said on Monday it had taken full control of dozens of towns in Aleppo's northwestern countryside and it would press on with its campaign to wipe out militant groups "wherever they are found". The advances were made after President Bashar al-Assad's forces drove insurgents from the M5 highway linking Aleppo to Damascus, reopening the fastest route between Syria's two biggest cities for the first time in years in a big strategic gain for Assad. Assad said on Monday his forces' rapid recent gains presaged the eventual defeat of the nine-year insurgency that sought to oust him from power. But in an appearance televised by state media, he also cautioned that the conflict was not yet over. "We know this liberation does not mean the end of the war or the crushing of all plots or the end of terror or the surrender of the enemy, but it definitely rubs their noses in the dirt," Assad said. "This is a prelude to their (opposition forces') final defeat, sooner or later." Also read: 900,000 people displaced by fighting in northwest Syria since December - UN Backed by heavy Russian airstrikes and aided by pro-Iranian militias, government forces have intensified since the start of the year their campaign to recapture the Aleppo countryside and parts of neighbouring Idlib province in the far northwest of Syria where anti-Assad insurgents hold their last strongholds. Russian and government airstrikes on Monday hit Darat Izza, near the Turkish border about 30 km (20 miles) north of Aleppo city, wounding several civilians and forcing two hospitals to close, according to hospital staff. Witnesses also reported airstrikes in southern areas of Idlib province in what the opposition said was a "scorched earth policy" that has left dozens of towns and villages in ruins. The advances sent hundreds of thousands of Syrian civilians fleeing towards the border with Turkey in the biggest single displacement of the nine-year-old war. The United Nations said on Monday that over 875,000 Syrians, mostly children and women, have now fled towns and villages targeted by the heavy aerial bombing campaign since December 1. More than 40,000 have been displaced in the last four days alone from western Aleppo province, the scene of heavy fighting, said David Swanson, a U.N. spokesman. The offensive has also upset the fragile cooperation between Ankara and Moscow, which back opposing factions in the conflict. Turkey and Russia began a new round of talks in Moscow on Monday after several demands by Ankara that Assad's forces should back down and a ceasefire be put in place. Also read: President Trump, Turkey call Russia to stop backing Syrian 'atrocities' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Islamist militant attacks on Russian bases and Syrian positions have continued and "it is not possible to leave this unanswered". "Troops from Russia and Turkey on the ground in Syria, in Idlib, are in constant contact with each other, looking at changes in the conditions. They have a full understanding of each other," said Lavrov. However, the Syrian armed forces said they would push on with what they called their "sacred and noble task to rid what remains of terrorist organisations wherever on Syria's geography they are found". Syrian forces had taken full control of dozens of towns in Aleppo's northwestern countryside, they said in a statement. Syrian Transport Minister Ali Hammoud announced on Monday the reopening of Aleppo international airport with the first flight, from Damascus to Aleppo, scheduled for Wednesday and flights to Cairo to be announced within days, state news agency SANA reported. The pro-Damascus Al-Watan newspaper said the M5 highway, a vital artery in northern Syria, would be ready for civilian use by the end of the week. Aleppo city, once Syria's economic hub, was the scene of some of the most vicious fighting of the war between 2012 and 2016. The Syrian army has also opened the international roadway from northern Aleppo to the towns of Zahraa and Nubl towards the Turkish border, a military news service run by Lebanon's Assad-allied pro-Damascus Hezbollah group said. The insurgent forces arrayed against Assad include Western-backed rebels and jihadist militants. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said his military will drive back Syrian forces if they do not withdraw from Idlib by the end of the month. On Saturday, he appeared to move that date forward, saying Turkey would "handle it" before the end of the month if there was no pullback. Alarmed by the new refugee crisis on its border, Turkey has sent thousands of troops and hundreds of convoys of military equipment to reinforce its observation posts in Idlib, established under a 2018 de-escalation agreement with Russia.

Syrian forces consolidate control of Aleppo, air strikes under way

A gunman killed one person and wounded another at a shopping centre in Bangkok on Tuesday, police said, 10 days after a mass shooting at another mall in Thailand's northeast.

The shooting at the Century The Movie Plaza, near the Thai capital's Victory Monument, was a personal issue and the gunman had fled the scene, Thai police said.

"One person died and another was injured," police Colonel Krissana Pattanacharoen told Reuters. Police said in a statement they knew the suspect's identity and were working to apprehend him.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-soldier-kills-at-least-17-in-shooting-rampage-279526">Thai soldier kills at least 17 in shooting rampage</a>

Ten days before, a soldier killed at least a dozen people at the Terminal 21 shopping centre in the northeastern city of Nakhon Ratchasima. He had earlier killed his commanding officer, other soldiers at his base and several people at a Buddhist temple.

Earlier this month, Thais held an evening vigil for the 29 victims of an "unprecedented" mass shooting carried out by a soldier.

Sharpshooters killed the gunman on earlier this month after a 17-hour ordeal, including a night of firefights and terrifying dashes for mall exits by shoppers trapped in the Terminal 21 mall in Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat.

The provincial governor told reporters that the total death toll -- including the gunman -- stood at 30.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-city-holds-vigil-for-29-victims-of-unprecedented-mass-shooting-279614">Thai city holds vigil for 29 victims of 'unprecedented' mass shooting</a>

The dead include civilians, one of them a 13-year-old boy, and security forces going after the rogue soldier, who was upset over a debt dispute, according to Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha.

"It is unprecedented in Thailand, and I want this to be the last time this crisis happens," he said earlier outside a hospital where victims -- some in critical condition -- were being treated.

Thailand has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the world, and several shootings at courthouses last year renewed concern about gun violence.

(Inputs from Reuters and AFP)

A gunman killed one person and wounded another at a shopping centre in Bangkok on Tuesday, police said, 10 days after a mass shooting at another mall in Thailand's northeast.

A gunman killed one person and wounded another at a shopping centre in Bangkok on Tuesday, police said, 10 days after a mass shooting at another mall in Thailand's northeast. The shooting at the Century The Movie Plaza, near the Thai capital's Victory Monument, was a personal issue and the gunman had fled the scene, Thai police said. "One person died and another was injured," police Colonel Krissana Pattanacharoen told Reuters. Police said in a statement they knew the suspect's identity and were working to apprehend him. Also read: Thai soldier kills at least 17 in shooting rampage Ten days before, a soldier killed at least a dozen people at the Terminal 21 shopping centre in the northeastern city of Nakhon Ratchasima. He had earlier killed his commanding officer, other soldiers at his base and several people at a Buddhist temple. Earlier this month, Thais held an evening vigil for the 29 victims of an "unprecedented" mass shooting carried out by a soldier. Sharpshooters killed the gunman on earlier this month after a 17-hour ordeal, including a night of firefights and terrifying dashes for mall exits by shoppers trapped in the Terminal 21 mall in Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat. The provincial governor told reporters that the total death toll -- including the gunman -- stood at 30. Also read: Thai city holds vigil for 29 victims of 'unprecedented' mass shooting The dead include civilians, one of them a 13-year-old boy, and security forces going after the rogue soldier, who was upset over a debt dispute, according to Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha. "It is unprecedented in Thailand, and I want this to be the last time this crisis happens," he said earlier outside a hospital where victims -- some in critical condition -- were being treated. Thailand has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the world, and several shootings at courthouses last year renewed concern about gun violence. (Inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Gunman kills one person at Bangkok shopping mall days after mass shooting

A Russian-backed regime offensive in northwest Syria has displaced 900,000 people since the start of December, and babies are dying of cold because aid camps are full, the UN said Monday.

That figure is 100,000 more than the United Nations had previously recorded.

"The crisis in northwest Syria has reached a horrifying new level," said Mark Lowcock, the UN head of humanitarian affairs and emergency relief.&nbsp;

He said the displaced were overwhelmingly women and children who are "traumatized and forced to sleep outside in freezing temperatures because camps are full. Mothers burn plastic to keep children warm. Babies and small children are dying because of the cold."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-turkey-call-for-russia-to-stop-backing-syrian-atrocities-281103">President Trump, Turkey call Russia to stop backing Syrian 'atrocities'</a>

The Idlib region, including parts of neighboring Aleppo province, is home to some three million people, half of them already displaced from other parts of the country.

The offensive that began late last year has caused the biggest single displacement of people since the conflict began in 2011. The war has killed more than 380,000 people since it erupted almost nine years ago, following the brutal repression of popular demonstrations demanding regime change.

Lowcock warned Monday that the violence in the northwest was "indiscriminate."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-235000-flee-northwest-syria-flare-up-united-nation-270586">More than 235,000 flee northwest Syria flare-up - United Nation</a>

"Health facilities, schools, residential areas, mosques and markets have been hit. Schools are suspended, many health facilities have closed. There is a serious risk of disease outbreaks. Basic infrastructure is falling apart," he said in a statement.

"We are now receiving reports that settlements for displaced people are being hit, resulting in deaths, injuries and further displacement."

He said that a massive relief operation underway from the Turkish border is has been "overwhelmed. The equipment and facilities being used by aid workers are being damaged. Humanitarian workers themselves are being displaced and killed."

US President Donald Trump on Sunday called for Russia to end its support for the Syrian regime's "atrocities" in the Idlib region, the White House said.

A Russian-backed regime offensive in northwest Syria has displaced 900,000 people since the start of December, and babies are dying of cold because aid camps are full, the UN said Monday.

A Russian-backed regime offensive in northwest Syria has displaced 900,000 people since the start of December, and babies are dying of cold because aid camps are full, the UN said Monday. That figure is 100,000 more than the United Nations had previously recorded. "The crisis in northwest Syria has reached a horrifying new level," said Mark Lowcock, the UN head of humanitarian affairs and emergency relief. He said the displaced were overwhelmingly women and children who are "traumatized and forced to sleep outside in freezing temperatures because camps are full. Mothers burn plastic to keep children warm. Babies and small children are dying because of the cold." Also read: President Trump, Turkey call Russia to stop backing Syrian 'atrocities' The Idlib region, including parts of neighboring Aleppo province, is home to some three million people, half of them already displaced from other parts of the country. The offensive that began late last year has caused the biggest single displacement of people since the conflict began in 2011. The war has killed more than 380,000 people since it erupted almost nine years ago, following the brutal repression of popular demonstrations demanding regime change. Lowcock warned Monday that the violence in the northwest was "indiscriminate." Also read: More than 235,000 flee northwest Syria flare-up - United Nation "Health facilities, schools, residential areas, mosques and markets have been hit. Schools are suspended, many health facilities have closed. There is a serious risk of disease outbreaks. Basic infrastructure is falling apart," he said in a statement. "We are now receiving reports that settlements for displaced people are being hit, resulting in deaths, injuries and further displacement." He said that a massive relief operation underway from the Turkish border is has been "overwhelmed. The equipment and facilities being used by aid workers are being damaged. Humanitarian workers themselves are being displaced and killed." US President Donald Trump on Sunday called for Russia to end its support for the Syrian regime's "atrocities" in the Idlib region, the White House said.

900,000 people displaced by fighting in northwest Syria since December: UN

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgement on Permanent Commission for women in Army.

Singh took to Twitter and welcomed the decision " wholeheartedly".

"I wholeheartedly welcome Hon'ble Supreme Court’s judgement on giving the Women officers permanent commission in the Armed Forces. PM Shri @narendramodi has supported the idea of permanent commission for women &amp; announced the change in policy in his Independence Day speech in 2018," Singh tweeted out.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I wholeheartedly welcome Honble Supreme Court’s judgement on giving the Women officers permanent commission in the Armed Forces. PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> has supported the idea of permanent commission for women &amp; announced the change in policy in his Independence Day speech in 2018.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1229394157522710528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The defence minister stated that a historic move to allow women in the field operations came when former defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman "announced that women will be inducted into the Military Police. The recruitment process has started in 2019," Singh added.&nbsp;

"In 2019, the defence ministry granted a permanent commission to women in all 10 branches of the Indian Amry, including Signal Corps, intelligence, aviation, engineering, service corps and ordinance corps," he said.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bar-on-granting-command-post-to-women-officers-in-Army-is-irrational-Supreme-Court-to-government">Bar on granting command post to women officers in Army is irrational: Supreme Court to government</a>

<img alt="Women Armed Forces" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6668d681-c79c-4b79-bf90-e1684139eb63" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EQUALITY_OPPORTUNITY..jpg" />

Sigh also highlighted that before the year 2016, women made up just 2.5 per cent of India's armed forces and worked mainly in non-combat roles.

"As of Jan 2019, 3.89 per cent of the army personnel comprised women, while 6.7 per cent of the navy and 13.28 per cent of the air force personnel were women as of June 2019," Singh posted on Twitter.&nbsp;

The top court today said that women officers in Army be given a permanent commission as a change of mindset is required on government's part to end gender bias in armed forces.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Before 2016, women made up just 2.5 percent of India's armed forces, working in mainly non-combat roles. 
As of Jan 2019, 3.89 percent of the army personnel comprised women, while 6.7 percent of the navy &amp; 13.28 percent of the air force personnel were women as of June 2019.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1229394722084409344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Absolute bar on granting command post to women officers in Army is irrational and against Right to Equality," India's top court said.

The apex court directed the Centre to grant permanent commission within three months to all women officers in the Army who opt for it.&nbsp;

The court said that women officers will also be eligible for command posting in the Army.&nbsp;

The top court said even after 70 years of post-colonial era, there is a need for change in mindset with regard to giving equal opportunity to women officers in the Indian Army.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgement on Permanent Commission for women in Army. Singh took to Twitter and welcomed the decision " wholeheartedly".

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgement on Permanent Commission for women in Army. Singh took to Twitter and welcomed the decision " wholeheartedly". "I wholeheartedly welcome Hon'ble Supreme Court’s judgement on giving the Women officers permanent commission in the Armed Forces. PM Shri @narendramodi has supported the idea of permanent commission for women & announced the change in policy in his Independence Day speech in 2018," Singh tweeted out. I wholeheartedly welcome Honble Supreme Court’s judgement on giving the Women officers permanent commission in the Armed Forces. PM Shri @narendramodi has supported the idea of permanent commission for women & announced the change in policy in his Independence Day speech in 2018. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 17, 2020 × The defence minister stated that a historic move to allow women in the field operations came when former defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman "announced that women will be inducted into the Military Police. The recruitment process has started in 2019," Singh added. "In 2019, the defence ministry granted a permanent commission to women in all 10 branches of the Indian Amry, including Signal Corps, intelligence, aviation, engineering, service corps and ordinance corps," he said. Also read: Bar on granting command post to women officers in Army is irrational: Supreme Court to government Sigh also highlighted that before the year 2016, women made up just 2.5 per cent of India's armed forces and worked mainly in non-combat roles. "As of Jan 2019, 3.89 per cent of the army personnel comprised women, while 6.7 per cent of the navy and 13.28 per cent of the air force personnel were women as of June 2019," Singh posted on Twitter. The top court today said that women officers in Army be given a permanent commission as a change of mindset is required on government's part to end gender bias in armed forces. Before 2016, women made up just 2.5 percent of India's armed forces, working in mainly non-combat roles. As of Jan 2019, 3.89 percent of the army personnel comprised women, while 6.7 percent of the navy & 13.28 percent of the air force personnel were women as of June 2019. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 17, 2020 × "Absolute bar on granting command post to women officers in Army is irrational and against Right to Equality," India's top court said. The apex court directed the Centre to grant permanent commission within three months to all women officers in the Army who opt for it. The court said that women officers will also be eligible for command posting in the Army. The top court said even after 70 years of post-colonial era, there is a need for change in mindset with regard to giving equal opportunity to women officers in the Indian Army.

Wholeheartedly welcome SC’s decision to give women permanent commission in Armed Forces: Rajnath

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