India and the United States are in talks to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-officials-to-travel-to-india-next-week-to-give-final-touches-to-trade-deal-262247">resolve trade issues</a> and both New Delhi and Washington hope to find an early solution, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-hope-arrested-indians-dont-become-victims-of-pakistani-propaganda-mea-263660">Raveesh Kumar said on Thursday</a>.

"Discussions have been going on between the two sides," Kumar said in a news conference.

"We remain optimistic that a solution will be found very soon," he said.

The two countries have been locked in trade disputes for months, slapping higher tariffs on each other's products and the US&nbsp;withdrawing a key concession to India.

Tensions on the trade front between the two countries had emerged in June after US President Donald Trump revoked preferential trade privileges, in response to which India imposed tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds and apples.

India was the biggest beneficiary of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), a programme designed to help developing countries sell to US consumers. On its part, India had also imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, after the Donald Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India over the trade barriers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters, ANI)&nbsp;

India and the United States are in talks to resolve trade issues and both New Delhi and Washington hope to find an early solution, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Thursday.

India and the United States are in talks to resolve trade issues and both New Delhi and Washington hope to find an early solution, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Thursday. "Discussions have been going on between the two sides," Kumar said in a news conference. "We remain optimistic that a solution will be found very soon," he said. The two countries have been locked in trade disputes for months, slapping higher tariffs on each other's products and the US withdrawing a key concession to India. Tensions on the trade front between the two countries had emerged in June after US President Donald Trump revoked preferential trade privileges, in response to which India imposed tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds and apples. India was the biggest beneficiary of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), a programme designed to help developing countries sell to US consumers. On its part, India had also imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, after the Donald Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India over the trade barriers. (With inputs from Reuters, ANI)

India, US in talks to resolve trade issues: Raveesh Kumar

The Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that there is normalcy in Kashmir and the situation which is being depicted about the region is "incorrect."

Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, made these contentions on a petition filed by Kashmir Times Editor Anuradha Bhasin on the imposition of communication blockade in the region.

She has alleged that following the revocation of its special status, the Central government had disabled various media activities.

"The petitioner (Anuradha Bhasin) has chosen not to publish the newspaper from Kashmir. It is her wish. There were no restrictions as such. There is normalcy of life in Kashmir. The situation presented and depicted is incorrect," Mehta told a bench headed by Justice N V Ramana.

Mehta said that access to the internet, printers and other facilities was given to the media professionals.

"At regular intervals, media professionals were briefed and provided press briefs. Media kiosks were facilitated at the DCP offices to various media professionals," Mehta said.

While justifying certain restrictions imposed in the region, the Solicitor General said that authorities had applied their minds in imposing or lifting the curbs.

"It is a preventive measure. It is not a long drawn trial. It is not a danger to public life. Ninety-nine per cent people are happy and living a normal life there," he said.

In August, the Central government scrapped Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two UTs -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Following this, phone lines and the internet were blocked in the region.

Normalcy is gradually returning to Jammu and Kashmir as mobile and landline services have been restored in both UTs and restrictions under Section 144 on movement have been withdrawn or relaxed.

The Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that there is normalcy in Kashmir and the situation which is being depicted about the region is "incorrect." Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, made these contentions on a petition filed by Kashmir Times Editor Anuradha Bhasin on the imposition of communication blockade in the region.

The Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that there is normalcy in Kashmir and the situation which is being depicted about the region is "incorrect." Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, made these contentions on a petition filed by Kashmir Times Editor Anuradha Bhasin on the imposition of communication blockade in the region. She has alleged that following the revocation of its special status, the Central government had disabled various media activities. "The petitioner (Anuradha Bhasin) has chosen not to publish the newspaper from Kashmir. It is her wish. There were no restrictions as such. There is normalcy of life in Kashmir. The situation presented and depicted is incorrect," Mehta told a bench headed by Justice N V Ramana. Mehta said that access to the internet, printers and other facilities was given to the media professionals. "At regular intervals, media professionals were briefed and provided press briefs. Media kiosks were facilitated at the DCP offices to various media professionals," Mehta said. While justifying certain restrictions imposed in the region, the Solicitor General said that authorities had applied their minds in imposing or lifting the curbs. "It is a preventive measure. It is not a long drawn trial. It is not a danger to public life. Ninety-nine per cent people are happy and living a normal life there," he said. In August, the Central government scrapped Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two UTs -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Following this, phone lines and the internet were blocked in the region. Normalcy is gradually returning to Jammu and Kashmir as mobile and landline services have been restored in both UTs and restrictions under Section 144 on movement have been withdrawn or relaxed.

There is normalcy in Kashmir: Centre tells Supreme Court

Indian shares ended lower on Thursday, dragged down by public sector stocks, as investors booked profits after the Nifty 50 index hit a multi-month high in the previous session.

The NSE Nifty 50 index ended 0.3 per cent lower at 11,968.40, while the S&amp;P BSE Sensex was down 0.2 per cent at 40,578.34.

In the previous session, the Nifty 50 index had hit its highest since June 6 and analysts said the market was consolidating as it tries to surpass previous highs.

The Nifty public sector bank index, energy index and metal index were top losers, falling 1.5 per cent to 2.2 per cent.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises ended up 12.4 per cent and was the top gainer on the Nifty index, while Bharat Petroleum Corp ended down 5.60 per cent and was the top loser.

The government agreed to sell stakes in five state-run companies, including oil refiner Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL), the finance minister said on Wednesday, a move that could help bridge a widening fiscal gap.

Meanwhile, Japan's Sony Corp is in talks to buy a stake in India's Network18 Media &amp; Investments Ltd, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, sending shares in billionaire Mukesh Ambani's TV business as much as 18 per cent higher.

Indian shares ended lower on Thursday, dragged down by public sector stocks, as investors booked profits after the Nifty 50 index hit a multi-month high in the previous session.

Indian shares ended lower on Thursday, dragged down by public sector stocks, as investors booked profits after the Nifty 50 index hit a multi-month high in the previous session. The NSE Nifty 50 index ended 0.3 per cent lower at 11,968.40, while the S&P BSE Sensex was down 0.2 per cent at 40,578.34. In the previous session, the Nifty 50 index had hit its highest since June 6 and analysts said the market was consolidating as it tries to surpass previous highs. The Nifty public sector bank index, energy index and metal index were top losers, falling 1.5 per cent to 2.2 per cent. Zee Entertainment Enterprises ended up 12.4 per cent and was the top gainer on the Nifty index, while Bharat Petroleum Corp ended down 5.60 per cent and was the top loser. The government agreed to sell stakes in five state-run companies, including oil refiner Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL), the finance minister said on Wednesday, a move that could help bridge a widening fiscal gap. Meanwhile, Japan's Sony Corp is in talks to buy a stake in India's Network18 Media & Investments Ltd, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, sending shares in billionaire Mukesh Ambani's TV business as much as 18 per cent higher.

Sensex, Nifty end lower; BPCL top loser

An Indian couple accused of spying on Sikh and Kashmiri communities in Germany went on trial Thursday on charges that carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.&nbsp;

The suspects were charged in March and have been named as Manmohan S, 50, and his wife Kanwal Jit K, 51, in keeping with German privacy rules for defendants.

Their trial was being held in a court in Frankfurt.

"Manmohan S agreed... to provide information about Germany's Sikh community and Kashmir movement and their relatives to an employee of the Indian foreign intelligence service Research &amp; Analysis Wing," prosecutors said in a statement earlier this year.

His wife joined him in monthly meetings with the Indian intelligence officer between July and December 2017, and in total the couple were paid 7,200 euros ($8,100). 
Sikhs in Germany number between 10,000 and 20,000 - their third biggest community in Europe after Britain and Italy, according to the religious rights group REMID.

An Indian couple accused of spying on Sikh and Kashmiri communities in Germany went on trial Thursday on charges that carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

An Indian couple accused of spying on Sikh and Kashmiri communities in Germany went on trial Thursday on charges that carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. The suspects were charged in March and have been named as Manmohan S, 50, and his wife Kanwal Jit K, 51, in keeping with German privacy rules for defendants. Their trial was being held in a court in Frankfurt. "Manmohan S agreed... to provide information about Germany's Sikh community and Kashmir movement and their relatives to an employee of the Indian foreign intelligence service Research & Analysis Wing," prosecutors said in a statement earlier this year. His wife joined him in monthly meetings with the Indian intelligence officer between July and December 2017, and in total the couple were paid 7,200 euros ($8,100). Sikhs in Germany number between 10,000 and 20,000 - their third biggest community in Europe after Britain and Italy, according to the religious rights group REMID.

Indian couple go on trial in Germany for spying on Sikhs

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday told Rajya Sabha that several initiatives have been taken to "abate and control <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-ncr-air-quality-dips-to-very-poor-might-drop-to-severe-category-263515">air pollution in Delhi/NCR</a>".

Javadekar told the Upper House that a high-level task force was constituted under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister for the same and that "regular review meetings have been held," news agency ANI quoted the minister.&nbsp;

The minister also said that a comprehensive air plan for Delhi NCR has been developed, "identifying the timelines and implementing agencies for actions delineated".&nbsp;

He also said that the Central government has notified a graded response action plan for Delhi/NCR for different levels of pollution.

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Prakash Javadekar in Rajya Sabha: A comprehensive air plan for Delhi NCR has been developed identifying the timelines and implementing agencies for actions delineated. Centre has notified a graded response action plan for Delhi NCR for different levels of pollution <a href="https://t.co/HeKerh0OTu">https://t.co/HeKerh0OTu</a>
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The air quality in Delhi-NCR plunged into 'very poor' category again on Thursday and is expected to drop to 'severe' by tomorrow, as per the data provided by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

The Air Quality Index (AQI) today was recorded at 312 with PM 10 at 142 and PM 2.5 at 72.

"The overall Delhi AQI is in the very poor category and is slowly declining and may further deteriorate by tomorrow towards the higher end of the very poor scale and may touch 'severe' in some parts of Delhi by November 22," stated the organisation in its advisory.

The pollution in Delhi can be attributed to two factors - slow surface winds in Delhi, and increasing fire counts compared to last week. Additionally, stubble level winds from the burning sites will contribute to the pollution.

The national capital and the adjoining areas have been grappling with poor air quality after Diwali last month. While schools were shut for multiple days across Delhi/NCR to keep children away from the adverse effects of worsening pollution levels, construction activities were also halted on some days.&nbsp;

The Kejriwal government also initiated the 'Odd-Even' vehicular scheme earlier this month with an aim to abate the pollution.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday told Rajya Sabha that several initiatives have been taken to "abate and control air pollution in Delhi/NCR". Javadekar told the Upper House that a high-level task force was constituted under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister for the same and that "regular review meetings have been held," news agency ANI quoted the minister.

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday told Rajya Sabha that several initiatives have been taken to "abate and control air pollution in Delhi/NCR". Javadekar told the Upper House that a high-level task force was constituted under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister for the same and that "regular review meetings have been held," news agency ANI quoted the minister. The minister also said that a comprehensive air plan for Delhi NCR has been developed, "identifying the timelines and implementing agencies for actions delineated". He also said that the Central government has notified a graded response action plan for Delhi/NCR for different levels of pollution. Prakash Javadekar in Rajya Sabha: A comprehensive air plan for Delhi NCR has been developed identifying the timelines and implementing agencies for actions delineated. Centre has notified a graded response action plan for Delhi NCR for different levels of pollution https://t.co/HeKerh0OTu — ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2019 × The air quality in Delhi-NCR plunged into 'very poor' category again on Thursday and is expected to drop to 'severe' by tomorrow, as per the data provided by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). The Air Quality Index (AQI) today was recorded at 312 with PM 10 at 142 and PM 2.5 at 72. "The overall Delhi AQI is in the very poor category and is slowly declining and may further deteriorate by tomorrow towards the higher end of the very poor scale and may touch 'severe' in some parts of Delhi by November 22," stated the organisation in its advisory. The pollution in Delhi can be attributed to two factors - slow surface winds in Delhi, and increasing fire counts compared to last week. Additionally, stubble level winds from the burning sites will contribute to the pollution. The national capital and the adjoining areas have been grappling with poor air quality after Diwali last month. While schools were shut for multiple days across Delhi/NCR to keep children away from the adverse effects of worsening pollution levels, construction activities were also halted on some days. The Kejriwal government also initiated the 'Odd-Even' vehicular scheme earlier this month with an aim to abate the pollution. (With inputs from ANI)

Comprehensive plan to tackle air pollution in Delhi, NCR has been developed: Javadekar

BJP leader Vijay Goel on Thursday accused the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi of not taking enough measures to address air pollution in the national capital over the last five years.

"Kejriwal did not take steps to tackle air pollution and bad water quality. He did not show his concern to around two crore people of Delhi. Earlier, water was not coming in Delhi but now water is coming, but it's contaminated. They are doing politics on this matter. Even the Supreme Court said that the odd-even scheme is not enough to tackle air pollution," he told ANI.

"90 per cent pollution happens from local sources such as road construction, smoke coming out from vehicles, dust and industrial pollution. Stubble burning was an excuse. It was being done for the last 30 days. So, the Kejriwal government has not done anything in the last five years," Goel said.

The air quality in Delhi and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad again plunged to 'very poor' category on Thursday and is expected to fall into 'severe' category by tomorrow, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

Today, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital docked at 312.

Earlier today, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said that a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/several-initiatives-have-been-taken-to-abate-control-air-pollution-in-delhi-ncr-prakash-javadekar-263629">comprehensive plan for Delhi NCR has been developed</a> identifying the timelines for abating and controlling air pollution in the region.

"In order to abate and control air pollution in Delhi NCR, we have undertaken several initiatives. A high-level task force was constituted under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. Regular review meetings have been held," Javadekar said in the Rajya Sabha.

"The Centre has notified a graded response action plan for Delhi NCR for different levels of pollution," he added.&nbsp;

BJP leader Vijay Goel on Thursday accused the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi of not taking enough measures to address air pollution in the national capital over the last five years.

BJP leader Vijay Goel on Thursday accused the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi of not taking enough measures to address air pollution in the national capital over the last five years. "Kejriwal did not take steps to tackle air pollution and bad water quality. He did not show his concern to around two crore people of Delhi. Earlier, water was not coming in Delhi but now water is coming, but it's contaminated. They are doing politics on this matter. Even the Supreme Court said that the odd-even scheme is not enough to tackle air pollution," he told ANI. "90 per cent pollution happens from local sources such as road construction, smoke coming out from vehicles, dust and industrial pollution. Stubble burning was an excuse. It was being done for the last 30 days. So, the Kejriwal government has not done anything in the last five years," Goel said. The air quality in Delhi and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad again plunged to 'very poor' category on Thursday and is expected to fall into 'severe' category by tomorrow, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). Today, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital docked at 312. Earlier today, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said that a comprehensive plan for Delhi NCR has been developed identifying the timelines for abating and controlling air pollution in the region. "In order to abate and control air pollution in Delhi NCR, we have undertaken several initiatives. A high-level task force was constituted under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. Regular review meetings have been held," Javadekar said in the Rajya Sabha. "The Centre has notified a graded response action plan for Delhi NCR for different levels of pollution," he added.

AAP didn't take steps to tackle air pollution in last 5 years: Vijay Goel

Modalities have been finalised on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-ncp-shiv-sena-triad-to-form-maharashtra-government-before-december-1-sanjay-raut-263537">formation of the government in Maharashtra</a> between the Congress, Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and all the three parties have, in principle, agreed upon ministerial berths according to their strength in the assembly, sources said on Thursday.

The Common Minimum Programme (CMP) between Congress and NCP has been sealed and will be discussed with the Shiv Sena in Mumbai on Friday, sources added. 
Currently, Congress and NCP, sources said, are discussing the possible names to be inducted in ministerial berths.

The name of the alliance is expected to be finalised in today's meeting between Congress and NCP leaders. The convener of the alliance is also slated to be finalised by Friday in Mumbai, they added.

Earlier today, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was held at party interim president Sonia Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence. Several senior leaders including Malikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel, AK Antony and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had attended the meeting.

"We have apprised the CWC members of the latest political situation in Maharashtra. Today, Congress-NCP discussion will continue. I think, tomorrow, we will probably have a decision in Mumbai," Congress leader KC Venugopal told reporters after the CWC meet.

On Wednesday, Congress leaders including Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh and Mallikarjun Kharge had briefed party interim president Sonia Gandhi about their meeting with NCP chief Sharad Pawar. After briefing Gandhi, the three Congress leaders again returned to Pawar's residence.

Sources said that during the course of Wednesday's meetings, the Congress and NCP leaders also held talks with Shiv Sena leadership over the phone and got a positive response.

They also added that as part of the coalition government, a sharing formula of 2.5 years each between the Shiv Sena and NCP for the chief minister seat has been approved while Congress will be given the deputy chief minister's seat.

Maharashtra came under President's Rule on November 12 after all the parties failed to form a government in the state. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths.

Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state. 
The Shiv Sena is now holding talks with the Congress and NCP to form a government in Maharashtra.

The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.&nbsp;

Modalities have been finalised on the formation of the government in Maharashtra between the Congress, Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and all the three parties have, in principle, agreed upon ministerial berths according to their strength in the assembly, sources said on Thursday.

Modalities have been finalised on the formation of the government in Maharashtra between the Congress, Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and all the three parties have, in principle, agreed upon ministerial berths according to their strength in the assembly, sources said on Thursday. The Common Minimum Programme (CMP) between Congress and NCP has been sealed and will be discussed with the Shiv Sena in Mumbai on Friday, sources added. Currently, Congress and NCP, sources said, are discussing the possible names to be inducted in ministerial berths. The name of the alliance is expected to be finalised in today's meeting between Congress and NCP leaders. The convener of the alliance is also slated to be finalised by Friday in Mumbai, they added. Earlier today, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was held at party interim president Sonia Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence. Several senior leaders including Malikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel, AK Antony and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had attended the meeting. "We have apprised the CWC members of the latest political situation in Maharashtra. Today, Congress-NCP discussion will continue. I think, tomorrow, we will probably have a decision in Mumbai," Congress leader KC Venugopal told reporters after the CWC meet. On Wednesday, Congress leaders including Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh and Mallikarjun Kharge had briefed party interim president Sonia Gandhi about their meeting with NCP chief Sharad Pawar. After briefing Gandhi, the three Congress leaders again returned to Pawar's residence. Sources said that during the course of Wednesday's meetings, the Congress and NCP leaders also held talks with Shiv Sena leadership over the phone and got a positive response. They also added that as part of the coalition government, a sharing formula of 2.5 years each between the Shiv Sena and NCP for the chief minister seat has been approved while Congress will be given the deputy chief minister's seat. Maharashtra came under President's Rule on November 12 after all the parties failed to form a government in the state. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state. The Shiv Sena is now holding talks with the Congress and NCP to form a government in Maharashtra. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Modalities over Maharashtra government formation in final stages between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held bilateral meeting&nbsp;with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Brazil.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brasilia on Wednesday on a two-day official visit to attend the annual session of BRICS, a grouping of five major world economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

The 11th BRICS summit will focus on strengthening ties among the five countries in key areas such as digital economy, science, and technology, as well as in building mechanisms for counter-terrorism cooperation. The theme of this year's summit is 'Economic Growth for an Innovative Future'.

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Brasilia, Brazil: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds bilateral meeting with President of Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BRICS2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BRICS2019</a> Summit. <a href="https://t.co/Y9DL5F4wUp">pic.twitter.com/Y9DL5F4wUp</a>
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Taking to Twitter upon his arrival, Modi expressed hope that the summit will enhance cultural and economic linkages between member nations.

"Reached Brazil to take part in the BRICS Summit. Will also meet various world leaders during this visit. I am sure the BRICS Summit will enhance cultural and economic linkages between BRICS nations," Modi tweeted.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold several bilaterals with leaders of the member nations, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro.

This year the joint working group on counter-terrorism has decided to constitute five sub-working groups on counterterrorism in the following areas: terrorist financing, use of the Internet for terrorist purposes, countering radicalisation, issue of foreign terrorist fighters and capacity-building, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

This is Prime Minister's second visit to Brazil and his first visit after the new administration led by president Bolsonaro assumed office on January 1, 2019, the ministry said.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Brazil. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brasilia on Wednesday on a two-day official visit to attend the annual session of BRICS, a grouping of five major world economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Brazil. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brasilia on Wednesday on a two-day official visit to attend the annual session of BRICS, a grouping of five major world economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The 11th BRICS summit will focus on strengthening ties among the five countries in key areas such as digital economy, science, and technology, as well as in building mechanisms for counter-terrorism cooperation. The theme of this year's summit is 'Economic Growth for an Innovative Future'. Brasilia, Brazil: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds bilateral meeting with President of Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of #BRICS2019 Summit. pic.twitter.com/Y9DL5F4wUp — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2019 × Taking to Twitter upon his arrival, Modi expressed hope that the summit will enhance cultural and economic linkages between member nations. "Reached Brazil to take part in the BRICS Summit. Will also meet various world leaders during this visit. I am sure the BRICS Summit will enhance cultural and economic linkages between BRICS nations," Modi tweeted. The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold several bilaterals with leaders of the member nations, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro. This year the joint working group on counter-terrorism has decided to constitute five sub-working groups on counterterrorism in the following areas: terrorist financing, use of the Internet for terrorist purposes, countering radicalisation, issue of foreign terrorist fighters and capacity-building, the Ministry of External Affairs said. This is Prime Minister's second visit to Brazil and his first visit after the new administration led by president Bolsonaro assumed office on January 1, 2019, the ministry said. (With inputs from ANI)

PM Modi, Russian President Putin hold talks on sidelines of BRICS Summit

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BJP president and Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday slammed the opposition parties, saying their effort to raise a ruckus over the imposition of President's Rule in Maharashtra was 'a meaningless exercise to gain public sympathy' and anyone can still approach the Governor if they have a majority to form the government.

Speaking to Smita Prakash, Editor, Asian News International in an exclusive interview, Shah also rejected the accusations that the BJP has betrayed the Shiv Sena.

"We were ready to form the government with the Shiv Sena. But there were certain things of Shiv Sena we could not have agreed," he said.

This is Shah's first interview since Maharashtra's results were out on October 24. The subsequent political uncertainty over the government formation snowballed into a major crisis, which ultimately resulted in the imposition of President's Rule in the state.

Shah said that during the campaign for Maharashtra assembly polls, the BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Devendra Fadnavis will continue to be the Chief Minister if BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is elected back to power.

"Nobody contradicted it. Now some mew conditions have come up. We have reservations on this and the party will take a decision at an appropriate time," he said.

"I only want to say that the ruckus over the President's Rule is a meaningless exercise to gain public sympathy and nothing else," he said.

Shah also took a dig at the Congress over its allegations that the President's Rule was imposed in a hurry and its ally NCP was not given enough time to show the majority.

"Probably they do not ask their allies," he said.

Shah said that between 11.30 am and 12 noon on Tuesday, the NCP expressed its inability to form the government by writing a letter to Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari that they cannot form government till the time given of 8.30 pm.

"After that, there was no point of the President waiting till 8.30 pm," he said.

Asked if more time was given for the government formation in Goa and Arunachal Pradesh, he said nowhere more time was given.

He said political parties in Maharashtra had eighteen days after the declaration of results to show that they have a majority.

"After the assembly notification, the Governor waited for 18 days," he said, adding that no party or parties came forward to stake the claim to form the government.

"Any party could have approached the Governor. The time to give invitation came after the term of assembly ended (on November 9)," he said.

He said the Governor has to take action after the term of assembly ends and he asked different parties.

"Once assembly is notified, any party or alliance can go to the Governor. What the Governor could have done. Everyone has been given time," he said.

"Even today if someone has a majority, they can contact the Governor and stake the claim," he said.

The Home Minister said the Assembly has not been dissolved but kept in suspended animation.

He said allegations could have been made if the assembly was dissolved.

The BJP and the Shiv Sena got an absolute majority in Maharashtra assembly polls but could not form the government due to differences over power-sharing.

The Shiv Sena had insisted on having the Chief Minister's post for two-and-half-year but the BJP said there was no such agreement.

BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 105 seats followed by Shiv Sena with 56. NCP won 54 seats and Congress 44. Congress and NCP fought the polls in an alliance.&nbsp;

BJP president and Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday slammed the opposition parties, saying their effort to raise a ruckus over the imposition of President's Rule in Maharashtra was 'a meaningless exercise to gain public sympathy' and anyone can still approach the Governor if they have a majority to form the government.

BJP president and Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday slammed the opposition parties, saying their effort to raise a ruckus over the imposition of President's Rule in Maharashtra was 'a meaningless exercise to gain public sympathy' and anyone can still approach the Governor if they have a majority to form the government. Speaking to Smita Prakash, Editor, Asian News International in an exclusive interview, Shah also rejected the accusations that the BJP has betrayed the Shiv Sena. "We were ready to form the government with the Shiv Sena. But there were certain things of Shiv Sena we could not have agreed," he said. This is Shah's first interview since Maharashtra's results were out on October 24. The subsequent political uncertainty over the government formation snowballed into a major crisis, which ultimately resulted in the imposition of President's Rule in the state. Shah said that during the campaign for Maharashtra assembly polls, the BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Devendra Fadnavis will continue to be the Chief Minister if BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is elected back to power. "Nobody contradicted it. Now some mew conditions have come up. We have reservations on this and the party will take a decision at an appropriate time," he said. "I only want to say that the ruckus over the President's Rule is a meaningless exercise to gain public sympathy and nothing else," he said. Shah also took a dig at the Congress over its allegations that the President's Rule was imposed in a hurry and its ally NCP was not given enough time to show the majority. "Probably they do not ask their allies," he said. Shah said that between 11.30 am and 12 noon on Tuesday, the NCP expressed its inability to form the government by writing a letter to Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari that they cannot form government till the time given of 8.30 pm. "After that, there was no point of the President waiting till 8.30 pm," he said. Asked if more time was given for the government formation in Goa and Arunachal Pradesh, he said nowhere more time was given. He said political parties in Maharashtra had eighteen days after the declaration of results to show that they have a majority. "After the assembly notification, the Governor waited for 18 days," he said, adding that no party or parties came forward to stake the claim to form the government. "Any party could have approached the Governor. The time to give invitation came after the term of assembly ended (on November 9)," he said. He said the Governor has to take action after the term of assembly ends and he asked different parties. "Once assembly is notified, any party or alliance can go to the Governor. What the Governor could have done. Everyone has been given time," he said. "Even today if someone has a majority, they can contact the Governor and stake the claim," he said. The Home Minister said the Assembly has not been dissolved but kept in suspended animation. He said allegations could have been made if the assembly was dissolved. The BJP and the Shiv Sena got an absolute majority in Maharashtra assembly polls but could not form the government due to differences over power-sharing. The Shiv Sena had insisted on having the Chief Minister's post for two-and-half-year but the BJP said there was no such agreement. BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 105 seats followed by Shiv Sena with 56. NCP won 54 seats and Congress 44. Congress and NCP fought the polls in an alliance.

Opposition is creating meaningless ruckus over President's Rule in Maharashtra: Amit Shah

New Delhi [India], Nov 13 (ANI): Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday penned his views on India's decision to stay away from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), saying that the move is bold and historic.

"November 4, 2019, shall go down as a historic milestone for India's bold decision to stay away from the RCEP. The decision also cements India's growing stature as a country that is rock solid in its resolve to not only protect its own interests but also to boldly ward off any attempts to being arm-twisted. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, New India reflects a new self-confidence," Amit Shah wrote in an article for 'The Economic Times'.

"India's not joining RCEP was summed up by the PM himself: 'Whenever I try and gauge India's interest in light of her joining RCEP, I do not get an answer in the affirmative; neither Gandhiji's policy of self-reliance nor my wisdom allows me to join RCEP.' What makes this decision significant is that this has yet again demonstrated that the PM can go to any extent to safeguard the interests of farmers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), textile, dairy and manufacturing, medicine, steel and chemical industries," he added.

"The Prime Minister did not compromise on it since the agreement did not seem to accommodate India's concerns on issues like trade losses and dumping. India should not be a party to any such international treaty that is one-sided and against the interests of our farmers and entrepreneurs," the Home Minister further said.

Shah accused Congress of failing to safeguard the country's interests and highlighted the trade losses with China under the UPA government.

"The Congress-led UPA government failed in safeguarding the interests of India. In 2007, it had already begun thinking of engaging in a regional trade agreement (RTA) with China. How this affected India's trade with China is borne out by the fact that during UPA's tenure, India's trade losses with China grew 23 times -- from $1.9 billion in 2005 to $44.8 billion in 2014. This hit indigenous industries hard," he said.

"An example of Congress' history of compromising with India's interests is the 2013 Bali Agreement. While participating in the WTO conference, then commerce minister Anand Sharma had weakened India's stand on its provisions for agriculture subsidy and support prices to farmers. This could have created havoc for farmers, but for the timely intervention of the Prime Minister in 2014, who ensured that then commerce minister Nirmala Sitharaman rejected the proposal," Shah wrote in the article.

The Home Minister said that Congress is now desperately trying to take credit for the Prime Minister's decision to back out from the RCEP.

"It is ironic that Congress, which has had a shaky history of dealing with such international treaties, is now desperately trying to take credit for the Prime Minister's decision to stay away from RCEP. In fact, it was Congress' lack of foresight that had led to India agreeing to become part of this bloc. In its original form, other than 10 ASEAN countries, only China, Japan and South Korea were to join RCEP," Shah said.

"However, thanks to Congress' lack of concern for the kind of damages it could pose to SMEs and farmers, the UPA government agreed to become part of RCEP. It was evident from the start that this could open the floodgates for Chinese goods to enter India. India also did not share favourable terms of trade with other countries of the bloc," he added.

The Home Minister also said that 2019 is the "New 2014".

"Since 2014, in RCEP dialogues, the Indian government has aggressively protected India's interests and worked with member countries to agree to favourable conditions, such as opening up the services sector for the first time for India, higher exports from India, etc. Congress was so eager to be a part of RCEP that it had conceded that the import duty as applicable on January 1, 2014, would be taken as the base rate, assuming the agreement would be operational by 2016," Shah said.

"This could have caused havoc, as the 2014 base rate would have led to unhindered imports. Also, the import duties on many products have gone up in the last few years. The PM argued for 2019 as the base rate," he added.

Shah said in the RCEP conference in Bangkok, the Prime Minister, along with commerce minister Piyush Goel, put forward the interests of farmers, SMEs and manufacturing industries and vigorously asked for amendments vital to India's interests.

"The government has begun to evaluate ASEAN and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with South Korea. It is working on getting into trade relations with Japan, the US, EU countries, and other developed nations that shall help in making India a $5 trillion economy. Considering India's growing stature, RCEP members cannot afford to ignore it for long, and will come around to agree to our terms. Meanwhile, India has maintained successful economic relations with ASEAN by the means of FTA," Shah asserted.

The Home Minister outlined that by rejecting RCEP, India has firmly protected its industries from any adverse effects that Chinese interests could have caused. "For us, India remains first and foremost," he further said.&nbsp;

New Delhi [India], Nov 13 (ANI): Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday penned his views on India's decision to stay away from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), saying that the move is bold and historic.

New Delhi [India], Nov 13 (ANI): Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday penned his views on India's decision to stay away from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), saying that the move is bold and historic. "November 4, 2019, shall go down as a historic milestone for India's bold decision to stay away from the RCEP. The decision also cements India's growing stature as a country that is rock solid in its resolve to not only protect its own interests but also to boldly ward off any attempts to being arm-twisted. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, New India reflects a new self-confidence," Amit Shah wrote in an article for 'The Economic Times'. "India's not joining RCEP was summed up by the PM himself: 'Whenever I try and gauge India's interest in light of her joining RCEP, I do not get an answer in the affirmative; neither Gandhiji's policy of self-reliance nor my wisdom allows me to join RCEP.' What makes this decision significant is that this has yet again demonstrated that the PM can go to any extent to safeguard the interests of farmers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), textile, dairy and manufacturing, medicine, steel and chemical industries," he added. "The Prime Minister did not compromise on it since the agreement did not seem to accommodate India's concerns on issues like trade losses and dumping. India should not be a party to any such international treaty that is one-sided and against the interests of our farmers and entrepreneurs," the Home Minister further said. Shah accused Congress of failing to safeguard the country's interests and highlighted the trade losses with China under the UPA government. "The Congress-led UPA government failed in safeguarding the interests of India. In 2007, it had already begun thinking of engaging in a regional trade agreement (RTA) with China. How this affected India's trade with China is borne out by the fact that during UPA's tenure, India's trade losses with China grew 23 times -- from $1.9 billion in 2005 to $44.8 billion in 2014. This hit indigenous industries hard," he said. "An example of Congress' history of compromising with India's interests is the 2013 Bali Agreement. While participating in the WTO conference, then commerce minister Anand Sharma had weakened India's stand on its provisions for agriculture subsidy and support prices to farmers. This could have created havoc for farmers, but for the timely intervention of the Prime Minister in 2014, who ensured that then commerce minister Nirmala Sitharaman rejected the proposal," Shah wrote in the article. The Home Minister said that Congress is now desperately trying to take credit for the Prime Minister's decision to back out from the RCEP. "It is ironic that Congress, which has had a shaky history of dealing with such international treaties, is now desperately trying to take credit for the Prime Minister's decision to stay away from RCEP. In fact, it was Congress' lack of foresight that had led to India agreeing to become part of this bloc. In its original form, other than 10 ASEAN countries, only China, Japan and South Korea were to join RCEP," Shah said. "However, thanks to Congress' lack of concern for the kind of damages it could pose to SMEs and farmers, the UPA government agreed to become part of RCEP. It was evident from the start that this could open the floodgates for Chinese goods to enter India. India also did not share favourable terms of trade with other countries of the bloc," he added. The Home Minister also said that 2019 is the "New 2014". "Since 2014, in RCEP dialogues, the Indian government has aggressively protected India's interests and worked with member countries to agree to favourable conditions, such as opening up the services sector for the first time for India, higher exports from India, etc. Congress was so eager to be a part of RCEP that it had conceded that the import duty as applicable on January 1, 2014, would be taken as the base rate, assuming the agreement would be operational by 2016," Shah said. "This could have caused havoc, as the 2014 base rate would have led to unhindered imports. Also, the import duties on many products have gone up in the last few years. The PM argued for 2019 as the base rate," he added. Shah said in the RCEP conference in Bangkok, the Prime Minister, along with commerce minister Piyush Goel, put forward the interests of farmers, SMEs and manufacturing industries and vigorously asked for amendments vital to India's interests. "The government has begun to evaluate ASEAN and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with South Korea. It is working on getting into trade relations with Japan, the US, EU countries, and other developed nations that shall help in making India a $5 trillion economy. Considering India's growing stature, RCEP members cannot afford to ignore it for long, and will come around to agree to our terms. Meanwhile, India has maintained successful economic relations with ASEAN by the means of FTA," Shah asserted. The Home Minister outlined that by rejecting RCEP, India has firmly protected its industries from any adverse effects that Chinese interests could have caused. "For us, India remains first and foremost," he further said.

Decision to stay away from RCEP was bold, historic for India: Amit Shah

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday released new three-dimensional images from the moon`s surface captured by the Chandrayaan -2.

The images of a crater from the lunar surface was captured by the Terrain Mapping Camera-2 aboard Chandrayaan-2.

"Have a look of 3D view of a crater imaged by TMC-2 of #Chandrayaan2. TMC-2 provides images at 5m spatial resolution &amp; stereo triplets (fore, nadir and aft views) for preparing DEM of the complete lunar surface," ISRO tweeted from its official handle.

The triplet images from TMC-2 when processed into Digital Elevation Models, enable mapping of surface landform morphologies.

These include - Craters (formed by impactors), Lava tubes (potential sites for future habitability), Rilles (furrows formed by lava channels or collapsed lava tubes), Dorsa or wrinkle ridges (formed mostly in Mare regions depicting cooling of and contraction of basaltic lava), Graben structures (depicts the structural dislocations on the lunar surface) and Lunar Domes/ Cones (denoting localized vents of past volcanism on the Moon).&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday released new three-dimensional images from the moon`s surface captured by the Chandrayaan -2. The images of a crater from the lunar surface was captured by the Terrain Mapping Camera-2 aboard Chandrayaan-2.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday released new three-dimensional images from the moon`s surface captured by the Chandrayaan -2. The images of a crater from the lunar surface was captured by the Terrain Mapping Camera-2 aboard Chandrayaan-2. "Have a look of 3D view of a crater imaged by TMC-2 of #Chandrayaan2. TMC-2 provides images at 5m spatial resolution & stereo triplets (fore, nadir and aft views) for preparing DEM of the complete lunar surface," ISRO tweeted from its official handle. The triplet images from TMC-2 when processed into Digital Elevation Models, enable mapping of surface landform morphologies. These include - Craters (formed by impactors), Lava tubes (potential sites for future habitability), Rilles (furrows formed by lava channels or collapsed lava tubes), Dorsa or wrinkle ridges (formed mostly in Mare regions depicting cooling of and contraction of basaltic lava), Graben structures (depicts the structural dislocations on the lunar surface) and Lunar Domes/ Cones (denoting localized vents of past volcanism on the Moon).

Chandrayaan-2 sends new pictures of moon's surface

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