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Housing Development Finance Corporation (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/whatsapp-leak-sebi-asks-hdfc-bank-to-probe-matter-33856">HDFC</a>) will acquire about 1.15 crore shares of HDFC Credila Financial Services for total consideration up to Rs 395 crore, increasing its stake from 90.88 per cent to 100 per cent.

Currently, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nifty-sensex-close-lower-as-hdfc-bank-drags-237677">HDFC</a> holds 90.88 per cent of the equity share capital of HDFC Credila on a fully diluted basis. After the acquisition of 11,470,000 shares or 9.12 per cent of equity share capital, HDFC Credila will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of HDFC.

The shares will be bought from HDFC Credila promoters Ajay Bohora and Anil Bohara through full cash consideration, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hdfc-icici-axis-bank-to-impose-charges-on-cash-transactions-12947/amp">HDFC</a> said in a statement. The transaction is likely to be completed by December 31.

HDFC had first acquired 41 per cent stake in HDFC Credila from DSP Merrill Lynch Capital Ltd in 2009. The stake buy valued the firm at five million dollars (about Rs 50 crore). HDFC raised its stake to 51 per cent a year later and further increased its holding over the years to 90.88 per cent.

HDFC Credila, a non-banking financial company, was set up in 2006 and provides loans for higher education. It has branches in major cities including Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

The company's revenue increased to Rs 603 crore for the financial year ending March from Rs 485 crore in the previous year.

Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) will acquire about 1.15 crore shares of HDFC Credila Financial Services for total consideration up to Rs 395 crore, increasing its stake from 90.

Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) will acquire about 1.15 crore shares of HDFC Credila Financial Services for total consideration up to Rs 395 crore, increasing its stake from 90.88 per cent to 100 per cent. Currently, HDFC holds 90.88 per cent of the equity share capital of HDFC Credila on a fully diluted basis. After the acquisition of 11,470,000 shares or 9.12 per cent of equity share capital, HDFC Credila will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of HDFC. The shares will be bought from HDFC Credila promoters Ajay Bohora and Anil Bohara through full cash consideration, HDFC said in a statement. The transaction is likely to be completed by December 31. HDFC had first acquired 41 per cent stake in HDFC Credila from DSP Merrill Lynch Capital Ltd in 2009. The stake buy valued the firm at five million dollars (about Rs 50 crore). HDFC raised its stake to 51 per cent a year later and further increased its holding over the years to 90.88 per cent. HDFC Credila, a non-banking financial company, was set up in 2006 and provides loans for higher education. It has branches in major cities including Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai. The company's revenue increased to Rs 603 crore for the financial year ending March from Rs 485 crore in the previous year.

HDFC to buy out arm Credila Financial Services for Rs 395 crore

Rajasthan with effect from November 20, which is expected to lead to an annual saving of Rs. 11.50 crores per annum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/piyush-goyal-to-make-statement-in-rajya-sabha-over-indias-position-in-rcep-267328">Union Railway Minister</a> on Monday posted on his Twitter account: "Railways takes a decisive step to cut down on electricity bill &amp; reduce operating cost. Securing additional power flow from Bihar &amp; Rajasthan, Railways to save Rs 121 crores on a yearly basis."

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Railways takes a decisive step to cut down on electricity bill &amp; reduce operating cost. 
 
Securing additional power flow from Bihar &amp; Rajasthan, Railways to save ₹121 crores on a yearly basis.<a href="https://t.co/jErSRhccoV">https://t.co/jErSRhccoV</a>
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1204082018369376261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Indian Railways takes about 1475 MW of power under open access as deemed licensee in 11 states and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ntpc-arm-to-begin-300-mw-power-supply-to-bangladesh-from-midnight-164604">Damodar Valley Corporation</a> (DVC) area. These efforts are resulting into an annual saving of over Rs. 3600 Crores per annum and since the commencement of power flow under open access with effect from November 2015 on business as usual mode, it has resulted into a total saving of over Rs. 12400 Crores.

The Bhartiya Rail Bijli Company Limited (BRBCL) is a joint venture company of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-visit-raebareli-after-ntpc-plant-explosion-23337">National Thermal Power Corporation </a>(NTPC) and Ministry of Railways to produce electricity for traction purpose to Railways at a low cost. It has equity participation of NTPC and Railways at 74 per cent and 26 per cent respectively.

Out of four units (each unit of 250 MW), power flow from three units of this plant has already been started for Indian Railways. The first unit started operation in January 2017.

The main beneficiary of this plant is Railways which is getting 90 per cent of the power produced and balance 10 per cent power is given to the Bihar.

Rajasthan with effect from November 20, which is expected to lead to an annual saving of Rs. 11.50 crores per annum. Union Railway Minister on Monday posted on his Twitter account: "Railways takes a decisive step to cut down on electricity bill & reduce operating cost.

Rajasthan with effect from November 20, which is expected to lead to an annual saving of Rs. 11.50 crores per annum. Union Railway Minister on Monday posted on his Twitter account: "Railways takes a decisive step to cut down on electricity bill & reduce operating cost. Securing additional power flow from Bihar & Rajasthan, Railways to save Rs 121 crores on a yearly basis." Railways takes a decisive step to cut down on electricity bill & reduce operating cost. Securing additional power flow from Bihar & Rajasthan, Railways to save ₹121 crores on a yearly basis.https://t.co/jErSRhccoV — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) December 9, 2019 × Indian Railways takes about 1475 MW of power under open access as deemed licensee in 11 states and Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) area. These efforts are resulting into an annual saving of over Rs. 3600 Crores per annum and since the commencement of power flow under open access with effect from November 2015 on business as usual mode, it has resulted into a total saving of over Rs. 12400 Crores. The Bhartiya Rail Bijli Company Limited (BRBCL) is a joint venture company of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Ministry of Railways to produce electricity for traction purpose to Railways at a low cost. It has equity participation of NTPC and Railways at 74 per cent and 26 per cent respectively. Out of four units (each unit of 250 MW), power flow from three units of this plant has already been started for Indian Railways. The first unit started operation in January 2017. The main beneficiary of this plant is Railways which is getting 90 per cent of the power produced and balance 10 per cent power is given to the Bihar.

Indian Rail takes decisive step to cut electricity bill, reduce operating cost: Piyush Goyal

The national capital continues to reel under noxious air after a brief relief from the <a href="On Tuesday morning, the air quality index docked at 352 with PM2.5 at 188 and PM10 306, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). ">poor air quality</a> during the last week.

On Tuesday morning, the air quality index docked at 352 with PM2.5 at 188 and PM10 306, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

At 9 in the morning, the AQI at Dhirpur, Delhi University and Chandni Chowk was at 363, 357 and 377 respectively. At the city`s major junction such as IIT Delhi, Pusa Road and Mathura Road, the AQI was recorded at 328, 333 and 336, respectively.

Today, the minimum and maximum temperature of Delhi will hover around 8 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius with the humidity at 50 per cent. A shallow fog will envelop the region throughout the day.

The AQI is expected to improve from December 12 due to the prevalence of the western disturbance."Under the influence of approaching western disturbance, increased wind speed and scattered rainfall is expected by the evening of 12th December, improvement in AQI is expecting," stated SAFAR in its advisory.

Also Watch:&nbsp;How Pollution is taking a toll on the GDP

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Even in the capital`s adjoining area Ghaziabad, the AQI was hovering around 400 marks. The residents` complaint of breathlessness and eye irritation while moving outdoors.&nbsp;

The top court had on Monday lifted the ban on construction activities partially in Delhi-NCR to contain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chokes-again-as-aqi-level-deteriorates-265878">air pollution levels</a>.

The judicature had imposed a moratorium on all construction and demolition activities in light of the deteriorating air quality from the past couple of weeks in the region.

The Center-run SAFAR has advised people residing in the national capital and its adjoining areas to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion."Take more breaks and do less intense activities. Asthmatics, keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. Heart patients, see a doctor if you get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," it said in an advisory.&nbsp;

The national capital continues to reel under noxious air after a brief relief from the poor air quality during the last week. On Tuesday morning, the air quality index docked at 352 with PM2.

The national capital continues to reel under noxious air after a brief relief from the poor air quality during the last week. On Tuesday morning, the air quality index docked at 352 with PM2.5 at 188 and PM10 306, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). At 9 in the morning, the AQI at Dhirpur, Delhi University and Chandni Chowk was at 363, 357 and 377 respectively. At the city`s major junction such as IIT Delhi, Pusa Road and Mathura Road, the AQI was recorded at 328, 333 and 336, respectively. Today, the minimum and maximum temperature of Delhi will hover around 8 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius with the humidity at 50 per cent. A shallow fog will envelop the region throughout the day. The AQI is expected to improve from December 12 due to the prevalence of the western disturbance."Under the influence of approaching western disturbance, increased wind speed and scattered rainfall is expected by the evening of 12th December, improvement in AQI is expecting," stated SAFAR in its advisory. Also Watch: How Pollution is taking a toll on the GDP × Even in the capital`s adjoining area Ghaziabad, the AQI was hovering around 400 marks. The residents` complaint of breathlessness and eye irritation while moving outdoors. The top court had on Monday lifted the ban on construction activities partially in Delhi-NCR to contain air pollution levels. The judicature had imposed a moratorium on all construction and demolition activities in light of the deteriorating air quality from the past couple of weeks in the region. The Center-run SAFAR has advised people residing in the national capital and its adjoining areas to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion."Take more breaks and do less intense activities. Asthmatics, keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. Heart patients, see a doctor if you get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," it said in an advisory.

Delhi reels under bouts of air pollution as AQI crosses 350 mark

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will be brought in soon while also adding that it will be explained in Parliament the same way Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was.

"There is no need to connect Citizenship (Amendment) Bill with National Register of Citizens (NRC). I will explain it [NRC] the same way in the Parliament as CAB. Rest assured, NRC will be brought in soon," Shah said in the Lower House.

The Lok Sabha today cleared the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 with 311 votings in support and 80 against.&nbsp;

The debate on the issue lasted for seven hours. The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

Through this Bill, Indian citizenship will be provided to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities, who have come from the three countries to India till December 31, 2014, to put an end to them being treated as illegal immigrants in the country.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will be brought in soon while also adding that it will be explained in Parliament the same way Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will be brought in soon while also adding that it will be explained in Parliament the same way Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was. "There is no need to connect Citizenship (Amendment) Bill with National Register of Citizens (NRC). I will explain it [NRC] the same way in the Parliament as CAB. Rest assured, NRC will be brought in soon," Shah said in the Lower House. The Lok Sabha today cleared the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 with 311 votings in support and 80 against. The debate on the issue lasted for seven hours. The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Through this Bill, Indian citizenship will be provided to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities, who have come from the three countries to India till December 31, 2014, to put an end to them being treated as illegal immigrants in the country.

National Register of Citizens will be brought in soon, don't link it with Citizenship Bill: Amit Shah

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-upset-over-thackerays-move-400-shiv-sena-workers-join-bjp-266344">Shiv Sena</a> on Tuesday targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre over the spike in the onion prices and the state of the Indian economy.

In its mouthpiece Saamna, the Sena stated, " At present, the economy is slowing down. But the government is not ready to accept. The prices of onion have reached Rs 200 per kilogram. The Finance Minister has also given a very childish answer on this issue. She said I do not eat onion-garlic, so do not ask me about onions. It seems the Prime Minister has no desire to resolve this issue."

"When Modi was not the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/economy-debate-narendra-modis-nda-versus-manmohan-singhs-upa-267271">Prime Minister</a> he had expressed concern over the rising prices of onions. While he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat he had stated that onion is a vital vegetable and added that the vegetable should be kept in the locker. Today, his policy has changed. Modi is now the Prime Minister and the economy is collapsing. Earlier, an unconscious person was cured with the smell of the onion. But that it not even possible now as the edible bulb has disappeared from the market," the editorial read.

"Pandit Nehru (Jawaharlal Nehru) and Indira Gandhi cannot be held responsible for the apocalyptic destruction of the country`s economy. The present government is not in a mood to listen to the experts. For them, the economy is like a stock market that has become speculative."

The former ally also raked up the issue of demonetization and said, " Very few people make decisions in the Prime Minister`s Office. These decisions are valid for their political and social programmes of the ruling party. But their decisions have marginalised the economic reforms. While taking decisions, such as demonetization, the Finance Minister of the country was kept in dark and also the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India protested, later he was removed."

The Shiv Sena also slammed the Centre for not doing enough to combat the menace of poverty.

"This time in the Global Hunger Index, out of 107 countries India has been positioned at 102. In 2014, India was in the 55th position and in the last five years, poverty has increased in the country while in the neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kulbhushan-jhadav-case-islamabad-insists-on-pakistan-representative-as-jhadav-gives-indian-side-power-of-attorney-to-represent-him-267156">Pakistan </a>it has reduced. There no work in the hands of the people and no food in their stomach. This is the condition of the common people of our country but the rulers are calling it development. Our economy is sick, but the Modi government is not ready to accept this either."

The Shiv Sena on Tuesday targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre over the spike in the onion prices and the state of the Indian economy. In its mouthpiece Saamna, the Sena stated, " At present, the economy is slowing down.

The Shiv Sena on Tuesday targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre over the spike in the onion prices and the state of the Indian economy. In its mouthpiece Saamna, the Sena stated, " At present, the economy is slowing down. But the government is not ready to accept. The prices of onion have reached Rs 200 per kilogram. The Finance Minister has also given a very childish answer on this issue. She said I do not eat onion-garlic, so do not ask me about onions. It seems the Prime Minister has no desire to resolve this issue." "When Modi was not the Prime Minister he had expressed concern over the rising prices of onions. While he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat he had stated that onion is a vital vegetable and added that the vegetable should be kept in the locker. Today, his policy has changed. Modi is now the Prime Minister and the economy is collapsing. Earlier, an unconscious person was cured with the smell of the onion. But that it not even possible now as the edible bulb has disappeared from the market," the editorial read. "Pandit Nehru (Jawaharlal Nehru) and Indira Gandhi cannot be held responsible for the apocalyptic destruction of the country`s economy. The present government is not in a mood to listen to the experts. For them, the economy is like a stock market that has become speculative." The former ally also raked up the issue of demonetization and said, " Very few people make decisions in the Prime Minister`s Office. These decisions are valid for their political and social programmes of the ruling party. But their decisions have marginalised the economic reforms. While taking decisions, such as demonetization, the Finance Minister of the country was kept in dark and also the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India protested, later he was removed." The Shiv Sena also slammed the Centre for not doing enough to combat the menace of poverty. "This time in the Global Hunger Index, out of 107 countries India has been positioned at 102. In 2014, India was in the 55th position and in the last five years, poverty has increased in the country while in the neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan it has reduced. There no work in the hands of the people and no food in their stomach. This is the condition of the common people of our country but the rulers are calling it development. Our economy is sick, but the Modi government is not ready to accept this either."

Shiv Sena lashes at Modi govt over rising onion prices, state of economy

ISRO’s most-reliable workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is gearing up to lift-off for its 50th time from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, with the launch scheduled for 3:25 pm on Wednesday. PSLV is the third generation launch vehicle of India. It is the first Indian launch vehicle to be equipped with liquid stages.

The rocket’s primary payload will be an Indian Radar imaging earth observation satellite (RISAT-2BR1) weighing about 628 kg, which will be placed into a 576 km orbit. ISRO states that the RISAT -2BR1 would be used for agriculture, forestry and disaster management.&nbsp;

As a part of a commercial agreement, ISRO will also be launching nine&nbsp;foreign satellites as co-passengers of the Indian satellite. The customer satellites include six&nbsp;American satellites, besides one each from Israel, Italy, and Japan.&nbsp;

Besides being the 50th launch of the PSLV, wednesday’s launch would mark several milestones for the ISRO - the second flight of PSLV in 'QL' configuration (with four&nbsp;strap-on motors). This will be the 75th&nbsp;launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota and 37th&nbsp;launch from the First Launchpad.

The PSLV is a four-stage rocket with the first stage and third stage using solid-propellant rocket motors, whereas the second a fourth stage use liquid-propellant rocket motors.

It is considered&nbsp;the most reliable launch vehicle of ISRO as it has flown 47 of its 49 missions successfully. The only failures of missions involving the PSLV rocket occurred in 1993 (first launch) and 2017 (41st launch). In its maiden mission, there was a software error in an on-board guidance and control processor, while the 2017 failure was caused as the heat shield (the bulbous top portion that holds the satellite) had failed to separate, thus preventing the satellite from being placed in orbit.

Ahead of the milestone launch, WION spoke to ISRO veterans to understand the arduous journey, the work culture that led to the success of the PSLV and how they feel ahead of the 50th Launch:&nbsp;

 
Padma Shri&nbsp;Dr&nbsp;A Sivathanu Pillai 
Core team member in SLV-3 and PSLV Configuration&nbsp;

<img alt="A Sivathanu Pillai | Image courtesy: Twitter user @orfonline" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c217b344-150b-4c47-baca-d76e83364e87" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pillaiiii_1.jpg" />

WION: Kindly tell us about what led to the planning and development of PSLV and the evolution it underwent.

Pillai: It was after the successful launch of SLV-3E2, India’s first experimental satellite launch vehicle in July 1980 that three groups were formed and PSLV was formed as one study group, with Dr Srinivasan as the head.&nbsp; When we had shared the configuration with Satish Dhawan, he was unhappy with it and wanted out to be more reliable. He had envisioned that the PSLV would become the workhorse rocket and later we could go for the GSLV with a cryogenic engine. Initially, the rocket was 400 ton and with big strap-on motors, but as he was apprehensive of strap-on, a new configuration was evolved without strap-ons and with increased reliability. Then we decided to use high-strength maraging steel that was available in the USA and Japan. We decided to develop the material and DRDO developed it and transferred the technology to Midhra Dhatu Nigam (MIDHANI) for production. This ensured that the weight of the rocket was reduced from 400 odd tons to 175 tons. It was in 1982 that the PLSV project was approved and its development began, our first flight in 1993 was not successful, but thereafter the PSLV started its successful run.&nbsp;

 
Padma Bhushan S&nbsp;Nambi Narayanan 
Project Director Second Stage of PSLV -Vikas Engine (later member associate project director of PSLV, GSLV)
<img alt="S Nambi Narayanan | Image courtesy: Twitter user @IndianExpress" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="801fdd47-2f5a-4e4f-833b-6a4d4eb768b1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Nambiiii.jpg" />
WION: How does it feel ahead of the 50th PSLV launch?&nbsp;

Narayanan: Actually I am very happy, it is much more than that, I feel really elated. The credit goes to the team of engineers who have worked day and night. But many members of our team are not with us anymore and it's sad that they are not here to see it.&nbsp;

WION: What’s the secret behind the PSLV and its above 95% success rate?&nbsp;

Narayanan: The PSLV rocket and its Vikas Engine have built-in reliability and that is one reason it has worked flawlessly. We jointly developed the liquid-engine Vikas with France (the French call it Viking -3), but we made a better system than they themselves made.&nbsp;

WION: You have constantly batted for a liquid-propellant engine over a solid-propellant engine during the PSLV development phase. Why?

Narayanan: A liquid engine can be stopped and restarted during tests and flights(ensuring better fuel efficiency), whereas a solid engine can’t be stopped after being ignited. Liquid propellant engines can be tweaked and upgraded for different uses. A liquid engine can control the flight of the rocket using gimbaling, whereas a solid engine requires external control systems which incur more cost and additional weight.&nbsp; There was always a competition between the teams working on solid and liquid propulsion. Solid took the lead as all our systems were using solid fuels, liquid systems never existed and many felt it was difficult or impossible.&nbsp; PSLV configurations were discussed without the liquid engine and it was meant to be all solid. However, with the solid engine the required payload couldn’t be achieved during the tests. Finally, the then director of VSSC Dr&nbsp;Brahm Prakash told Dr&nbsp;Satish Dhawan - “Satish this won’t work without liquid, we need a liquid system whether we like it or not”.

WION: While the French named their Engine Viking, what made us select ‘Vikas’?&nbsp;

Narayanan: Vikas means development in Sanskrit, but I had seen another adapted anagram in the name. For me, Vikas stood for Vikram A Sarabhai, the father of the Indian Space Programme. He was my Guru and leader and we won’t have another leader like him. from the very first flight till date, it is the very same Vikas engine that powers the second stage of the PSLV.

 
Padma Vibhushan&nbsp;Dr&nbsp;G Madhavan Nair&nbsp; 
Project Director PSLV and Former Chairman, ISRO

<img alt="G Madhavan Nair | Image courtesy: Twitter user @NDTV" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="92f51c26-04f3-4ff7-8a00-34f9f414a1a2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Nairrrr_0.jpg" />

WION: How do you see the significance of PSLV in our Space programme?

Nair: PSLV is the workhorse launcher it has been performing consistently well, we are proud that we are having the 50th launch. PSLV has ushered the new era of large rocket systems in India. It is a result of a decade-long toil of over 3000 scientists and engineers who had worked in the mid-80s. International customers come to us for the low cost and high reliability of our vehicle (which is better than the global standard). Only the French Ariane Rocket is comparable with ours in terms of reliability. We are proud that India has got such a possession&nbsp;

WION: You were the Project Director of the PSLV during its maiden launch. Kindly share your memories

Nair: Dr Srinivsasn was the chief designer of this rocket, sadly he didn’t live to see the launch. He handed over the reins to me, I am proud that I could complete it and give it to the country. During our first launch in 1993, we had a snag and the mission failed, but we were successful within one year. We had the benefit of experience gained from other launch vehicles and our entire technology was homegrown without own Liquid Engine - Vikas. Even the more powerful launcher GSLV uses several modules that we developed at that time.&nbsp;

WION: Please Tell us about the organisational culture of ISRO and how various domain experts work together?&nbsp;

Nair: ISRO has tremendous strength in terms of multi-disciplinary teams working together and we maintain the culture established by our founder Vikram Sarabhai where freedom is granted and people are encouraged to come up with new ideas. Dr&nbsp;Abdul Kalam brought people together from various fields in science and technology and integrated the efforts. Most organizations don’t succeed as teams from different disciplines can’t work together.&nbsp;

 
Padma Shri Dr&nbsp;Mylswamy Annadurai 
Program Director Chandrayaan 1 and Mangalyaan
<img alt="Mylswamy Annaduarai | Image courtesy: Twitter user @ShahNawazKhanMM" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="12b9f5ed-1957-4ff9-9cb0-bdf83f732a36" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Annaduraiiii.jpg" />
WION: Kindly tell us about the PSLV’s versatility as a launcher&nbsp;

Annadurai: By definition, the PSLV is a polar satellite launch vehicle meant to launch into Low Earth Orbit(below 2000km), but due to the confidence in its configuration it has been configured to put heavier payloads into orbit. In Chandrayaan 1 we used the PSLV to carry the probe to Geosynchronous Transfer orbit (above 35000km). Likewise, for the Mars Orbiter Mission, we launched the probe into the Highly elliptical earth orbit. We use the PSLV in various configurations including the core-alone configuration and with either two, four or six strap-on boosters for heavier payloads. So depending on the payloads, we are able to customize the launcher. We have mastered the technology of launching multiple small satellites using the PSLV and hold the record for 104 satellites in a single launch. We can also launch different satellites into different orbits using a single rocket. Depending on the mission requirements engine re-starts can be done.&nbsp; PSLV is the one that gave us a face for commercial launches and by meeting the requirements completely it gives confidence to the customers. This makes it a unique launch vehicle when you compare in the world in this class (carrying payloads from 600kg-1.7 tons)

ISRO’s most-reliable workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is gearing up to lift-off for its 50th time from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, with the launch scheduled for 3:25 pm on Wednesday.

ISRO’s most-reliable workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is gearing up to lift-off for its 50th time from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, with the launch scheduled for 3:25 pm on Wednesday. PSLV is the third generation launch vehicle of India. It is the first Indian launch vehicle to be equipped with liquid stages. The rocket’s primary payload will be an Indian Radar imaging earth observation satellite (RISAT-2BR1) weighing about 628 kg, which will be placed into a 576 km orbit. ISRO states that the RISAT -2BR1 would be used for agriculture, forestry and disaster management. As a part of a commercial agreement, ISRO will also be launching nine foreign satellites as co-passengers of the Indian satellite. The customer satellites include six American satellites, besides one each from Israel, Italy, and Japan. Besides being the 50th launch of the PSLV, wednesday’s launch would mark several milestones for the ISRO - the second flight of PSLV in 'QL' configuration (with four strap-on motors). This will be the 75th launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota and 37th launch from the First Launchpad. The PSLV is a four-stage rocket with the first stage and third stage using solid-propellant rocket motors, whereas the second a fourth stage use liquid-propellant rocket motors. It is considered the most reliable launch vehicle of ISRO as it has flown 47 of its 49 missions successfully. The only failures of missions involving the PSLV rocket occurred in 1993 (first launch) and 2017 (41st launch). In its maiden mission, there was a software error in an on-board guidance and control processor, while the 2017 failure was caused as the heat shield (the bulbous top portion that holds the satellite) had failed to separate, thus preventing the satellite from being placed in orbit. Ahead of the milestone launch, WION spoke to ISRO veterans to understand the arduous journey, the work culture that led to the success of the PSLV and how they feel ahead of the 50th Launch: Padma Shri Dr A Sivathanu Pillai Core team member in SLV-3 and PSLV Configuration WION: Kindly tell us about what led to the planning and development of PSLV and the evolution it underwent. Pillai: It was after the successful launch of SLV-3E2, India’s first experimental satellite launch vehicle in July 1980 that three groups were formed and PSLV was formed as one study group, with Dr Srinivasan as the head. When we had shared the configuration with Satish Dhawan, he was unhappy with it and wanted out to be more reliable. He had envisioned that the PSLV would become the workhorse rocket and later we could go for the GSLV with a cryogenic engine. Initially, the rocket was 400 ton and with big strap-on motors, but as he was apprehensive of strap-on, a new configuration was evolved without strap-ons and with increased reliability. Then we decided to use high-strength maraging steel that was available in the USA and Japan. We decided to develop the material and DRDO developed it and transferred the technology to Midhra Dhatu Nigam (MIDHANI) for production. This ensured that the weight of the rocket was reduced from 400 odd tons to 175 tons. It was in 1982 that the PLSV project was approved and its development began, our first flight in 1993 was not successful, but thereafter the PSLV started its successful run. Padma Bhushan S Nambi Narayanan Project Director Second Stage of PSLV -Vikas Engine (later member associate project director of PSLV, GSLV) WION: How does it feel ahead of the 50th PSLV launch? Narayanan: Actually I am very happy, it is much more than that, I feel really elated. The credit goes to the team of engineers who have worked day and night. But many members of our team are not with us anymore and it's sad that they are not here to see it. WION: What’s the secret behind the PSLV and its above 95% success rate? Narayanan: The PSLV rocket and its Vikas Engine have built-in reliability and that is one reason it has worked flawlessly. We jointly developed the liquid-engine Vikas with France (the French call it Viking -3), but we made a better system than they themselves made. WION: You have constantly batted for a liquid-propellant engine over a solid-propellant engine during the PSLV development phase. Why? Narayanan: A liquid engine can be stopped and restarted during tests and flights(ensuring better fuel efficiency), whereas a solid engine can’t be stopped after being ignited. Liquid propellant engines can be tweaked and upgraded for different uses. A liquid engine can control the flight of the rocket using gimbaling, whereas a solid engine requires external control systems which incur more cost and additional weight. There was always a competition between the teams working on solid and liquid propulsion. Solid took the lead as all our systems were using solid fuels, liquid systems never existed and many felt it was difficult or impossible. PSLV configurations were discussed without the liquid engine and it was meant to be all solid. However, with the solid engine the required payload couldn’t be achieved during the tests. Finally, the then director of VSSC Dr Brahm Prakash told Dr Satish Dhawan - “Satish this won’t work without liquid, we need a liquid system whether we like it or not”. WION: While the French named their Engine Viking, what made us select ‘Vikas’? Narayanan: Vikas means development in Sanskrit, but I had seen another adapted anagram in the name. For me, Vikas stood for Vikram A Sarabhai, the father of the Indian Space Programme. He was my Guru and leader and we won’t have another leader like him. from the very first flight till date, it is the very same Vikas engine that powers the second stage of the PSLV. Padma Vibhushan Dr G Madhavan Nair Project Director PSLV and Former Chairman, ISRO WION: How do you see the significance of PSLV in our Space programme? Nair: PSLV is the workhorse launcher it has been performing consistently well, we are proud that we are having the 50th launch. PSLV has ushered the new era of large rocket systems in India. It is a result of a decade-long toil of over 3000 scientists and engineers who had worked in the mid-80s. International customers come to us for the low cost and high reliability of our vehicle (which is better than the global standard). Only the French Ariane Rocket is comparable with ours in terms of reliability. We are proud that India has got such a possession WION: You were the Project Director of the PSLV during its maiden launch. Kindly share your memories Nair: Dr Srinivsasn was the chief designer of this rocket, sadly he didn’t live to see the launch. He handed over the reins to me, I am proud that I could complete it and give it to the country. During our first launch in 1993, we had a snag and the mission failed, but we were successful within one year. We had the benefit of experience gained from other launch vehicles and our entire technology was homegrown without own Liquid Engine - Vikas. Even the more powerful launcher GSLV uses several modules that we developed at that time. WION: Please Tell us about the organisational culture of ISRO and how various domain experts work together? Nair: ISRO has tremendous strength in terms of multi-disciplinary teams working together and we maintain the culture established by our founder Vikram Sarabhai where freedom is granted and people are encouraged to come up with new ideas. Dr Abdul Kalam brought people together from various fields in science and technology and integrated the efforts. Most organizations don’t succeed as teams from different disciplines can’t work together. Padma Shri Dr Mylswamy Annadurai Program Director Chandrayaan 1 and Mangalyaan WION: Kindly tell us about the PSLV’s versatility as a launcher Annadurai: By definition, the PSLV is a polar satellite launch vehicle meant to launch into Low Earth Orbit(below 2000km), but due to the confidence in its configuration it has been configured to put heavier payloads into orbit. In Chandrayaan 1 we used the PSLV to carry the probe to Geosynchronous Transfer orbit (above 35000km). Likewise, for the Mars Orbiter Mission, we launched the probe into the Highly elliptical earth orbit. We use the PSLV in various configurations including the core-alone configuration and with either two, four or six strap-on boosters for heavier payloads. So depending on the payloads, we are able to customize the launcher. We have mastered the technology of launching multiple small satellites using the PSLV and hold the record for 104 satellites in a single launch. We can also launch different satellites into different orbits using a single rocket. Depending on the mission requirements engine re-starts can be done. PSLV is the one that gave us a face for commercial launches and by meeting the requirements completely it gives confidence to the customers. This makes it a unique launch vehicle when you compare in the world in this class (carrying payloads from 600kg-1.7 tons)

WION Special: ISRO veterans recall the workhorse rocket PSLV’s journey ahead of its 50th launch

Union Minister of Railways and Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal will be making a statement in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday regarding `India`s position in Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), reported news agency ANI.

Union Minister of Railways and Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal will be making a statement in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday regarding `India`s position in Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), reported news agency ANI. Recently External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Goyal gave detailed presentations on Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s recent foreign visits and India`s stand on the RCEP in the BJP parliamentary party meeting, the report added quoting sources. This presentation assumed significance as India decided not to join the RCEP agreement as its key concerns were not addressed. The key issues behind India`s decision included inadequate protection against import surge, insufficient differential with China, possible circumvention of rules of origin, keeping the base year as 2014 and no credible assurances on market access and non-tariff barriers. RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the ten member-states of ASEAN and FTA partners. Goyal had said earlier that the country will be open to further discussions on RCEP if its demands are met and the trade deficit is balanced. (With inputs from ANI)

Piyush Goyal to make statement in Rajya Sabha over India's position in RCEP

After lower house (Lok Sabha) cleared the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill past midnight on Monday, leaders of several Opposition parties voiced their discontent and said it was against national interest.

After lower house (Lok Sabha) cleared the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill past midnight on Monday, leaders of several Opposition parties voiced their discontent and said it was against national interest. After the Bill, which seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan was passed by 311-80 votes in the lower house, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi took to Twitter to express his anguish. Owaisi said that at the "stroke of the midnight hour, while the world slept, India`s ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity and justice were betrayed". The AIMIM leader further said: "I fought hard against it and I promise every Indian that this fight isn`t over. Don`t let hopelessness come near you. Be defiant, be strong. "Earlier today, Owaisi tore a copy of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill during a discussion on it in the Lok Sabha. Echoing similar sentiments, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said that it is a "black day" for the Constitution. "It is a black day for our Constitution because what happened was unconstitutional. It [the Bill] very clearly targets the Muslim community, it is very shameful," Tharoor told. Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay also said that the Bill is against the "national integration". "TMC is a firm believer of unity and diversity and does not support division of the country on the basis of religion," he said. Former Assam chief minister and Congress leader Tarun Gogoi said that the Bill is "dangerous for Assam". "This [CAB] is dangerous for Assam, we are next-door neighbours to Bangladesh. This Bill will adversely affect the culture, heritage and population structure of the North-East," Gogoi told ANI. He further said the bill will encourage people from Bangladesh to enter and settle in Assam. The Bill, which seeks to give citizenship to refugees from the Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zorastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh was passed in Lok Sabha after a lively debate and a division of vote with 311 MPs voting in favour of the bill and 80 voting against it.

Opposition parties rue passage of Citizenship Amendment Bill in lower house 

A Delhi court on Tuesday decided to reserve its judgment on the Unnao rape case in which a former Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kuldeep Singh Sengar and Shashi Singh are the prime accused.&nbsp;

The judgment is expected to be declared by District Judge Dharmesh Sharma on December 16.

According to the charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on October 3, the victim was kidnapped and raped for nine days at different locations by three people in 2017. The victim was legally a minor at the time.

Earlier, the court had passed an order on an FIR relating to the Arms Act and about the custodial death of the victim's father. The two were clubbed together owing to connections in terms of witnesses and incidents.

The court added that the accused had detained the victim's father to ensure the complaint isn't pursued.&nbsp;

Earlier in July, the victim and her lawyer had sustained serious injuries in a truck collision, which killed her aunts.

Allegedly, the victim had approached Sengar for a job at his residence on June 4, 2017, when she was raped.

(With inputs from ANI)

A Delhi court on Tuesday decided to reserve its judgment on the Unnao rape case in which a former Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kuldeep Singh Sengar and Shashi Singh are the prime accused.

A Delhi court on Tuesday decided to reserve its judgment on the Unnao rape case in which a former Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kuldeep Singh Sengar and Shashi Singh are the prime accused. The judgment is expected to be declared by District Judge Dharmesh Sharma on December 16. According to the charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on October 3, the victim was kidnapped and raped for nine days at different locations by three people in 2017. The victim was legally a minor at the time. Earlier, the court had passed an order on an FIR relating to the Arms Act and about the custodial death of the victim's father. The two were clubbed together owing to connections in terms of witnesses and incidents. The court added that the accused had detained the victim's father to ensure the complaint isn't pursued. Earlier in July, the victim and her lawyer had sustained serious injuries in a truck collision, which killed her aunts. Allegedly, the victim had approached Sengar for a job at his residence on June 4, 2017, when she was raped. (With inputs from ANI)

Delhi court reserves judgment in Unnao rape case

The Parliament today passed the Arms (Amendment) Bill 2019, which seeks to increase the punishment for illegally procuring, making, and selling prohibited arms and ammunition in the country.

The Rajya Sabha passed the bill one day after it was cleared in the Lok Sabha.

According to the bill, a prison sentence of seven years extending to life imprisonment will now be possible. The sentence will be given for possession of illegal weapons while perpetrators may face life imprisonment for snatching the weapons of police personnel.

The bill serves as an amendment to the Arms Act of 1959 ''to effectively curb crimes committed using illegal firearms''.

Proceedings in the Lok Sabha have been adjourned till 11 am Wednesday.

(With inputs from ANI)

The Parliament today passed the Arms (Amendment) Bill 2019, which seeks to increase the punishment for illegally procuring, making, and selling prohibited arms and ammunition in the country.

The Parliament today passed the Arms (Amendment) Bill 2019, which seeks to increase the punishment for illegally procuring, making, and selling prohibited arms and ammunition in the country. The Rajya Sabha passed the bill one day after it was cleared in the Lok Sabha. According to the bill, a prison sentence of seven years extending to life imprisonment will now be possible. The sentence will be given for possession of illegal weapons while perpetrators may face life imprisonment for snatching the weapons of police personnel. The bill serves as an amendment to the Arms Act of 1959 ''to effectively curb crimes committed using illegal firearms''. Proceedings in the Lok Sabha have been adjourned till 11 am Wednesday. (With inputs from ANI)

Parliament passes Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019

A day after the contentious Citizenship <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/citizenship-amendment-bill-secularism-unfinished-business-in-india-266260">Amendment Bill</a> was passed in the Lok Sabha, Maharashtra Chief Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-has-given-consent-to-become-maharashtra-chief-minister-sanjay-raut-263954"> Uddhav Thackeray</a> on Tuesday said that the Shiv Sena will not support the proposed legislation unless the party's queries in the Rajya Sabha were addressed.

"We will not give support to the Bill unless things are clear. If any citizen is afraid of this Bill than one must clear their doubts. They are our citizens so one must answer their questions too," Thackeray, who is also the Shiv Sena chief, told reporters here.

Attacking its former ally BJP over their stance on the Bill, the Chief Minister said, "Terming anyone who disagrees as a traitor is their illusion. We have suggested changes in the Citizenship Amendment Bill we want in the Rajya Sabha. It is an illusion that only <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-proves-sceptics-wrong-with-stunning-performance-in-hindi-heartland-221136">BJP</a> cares for the country."

Interestingly, Thackeray's statement came hours after Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant said that the support for the Bill will continue in the Rajya Sabha as well because of 'national interest'.

"We will support the Bill. Do we have different roles? <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/shiv-senas-arvind-sawant-to-be-part-of-modis-cabinet-222699">Shiv Sena </a>always takes the stand which is good for the national interest. This is not anyone's monopoly," he told ANI after the party backed the Bill in the Lok Sabha yesterday.

Meanwhile, according to sources, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 will be tabled in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

The Bill, which seeks to give citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zorastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh was passed in Lok Sabha on Monday.

After heated discussions spanning seven hours, the Bill was passed with a majority of 311 votes against 80 in the Lower House where 391 members were present and voted.

In Rajya Sabha, the Centre requires the support of at least 123 MPs in the 245-member Upper House.

A day after the contentious Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday said that the Shiv Sena will not support the proposed legislation unless the party's queries in the Rajya Sabha were addressed.

A day after the contentious Citizenship Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday said that the Shiv Sena will not support the proposed legislation unless the party's queries in the Rajya Sabha were addressed. "We will not give support to the Bill unless things are clear. If any citizen is afraid of this Bill than one must clear their doubts. They are our citizens so one must answer their questions too," Thackeray, who is also the Shiv Sena chief, told reporters here. Attacking its former ally BJP over their stance on the Bill, the Chief Minister said, "Terming anyone who disagrees as a traitor is their illusion. We have suggested changes in the Citizenship Amendment Bill we want in the Rajya Sabha. It is an illusion that only BJP cares for the country." Interestingly, Thackeray's statement came hours after Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant said that the support for the Bill will continue in the Rajya Sabha as well because of 'national interest'. "We will support the Bill. Do we have different roles? Shiv Sena always takes the stand which is good for the national interest. This is not anyone's monopoly," he told ANI after the party backed the Bill in the Lok Sabha yesterday. Meanwhile, according to sources, the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 will be tabled in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The Bill, which seeks to give citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zorastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh was passed in Lok Sabha on Monday. After heated discussions spanning seven hours, the Bill was passed with a majority of 311 votes against 80 in the Lower House where 391 members were present and voted. In Rajya Sabha, the Centre requires the support of at least 123 MPs in the 245-member Upper House.

Won't support Citizenship Amendment Bill till we get clarity: Uddhav Thackeray

The United States Committee on Foreign Affairs raised concerns over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aiudf-calls-citizenship-bill-unconstitional-267466">Citizenship Amendment Bill</a> which was recently in Lok Sabha.

The Bill intends to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

According to the committee, any religious test for citizenship has the potential to undermine the basic tenets of democracy. 
 
"Religious pluralism is central to the foundations of both India and the United States and is one of our core shared values. Any religious test for citizenship undermines this most basic democratic tenet," the committee said after the passage of the bill. 
 
The legislation was passed with a majority, with 311 votes in favour and 80 against after a seven-hour-long debate. 
 
People belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities from the three neighbouring countries and living in India will no longer be treated as illegal immigrants, if they arrived before&nbsp;December 31, 2014. 
 
"The Bill enshrines a pathway to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-register-of-citizens-will-be-brought-in-soon-dont-link-it-with-citizenship-bill-amit-shah-267346">citizenship</a> for immigrants that specifically excludes Muslims, setting a legal criterion for citizenship based on religion", said the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.

The bill will be tabled in Rajya Sabha and require the support of at least 123 Members of Parliament in the 245-member house.

(With inputs from ANI)

The United States Committee on Foreign Affairs raised concerns over the Citizenship Amendment Bill which was recently in Lok Sabha. The Bill intends to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

The United States Committee on Foreign Affairs raised concerns over the Citizenship Amendment Bill which was recently in Lok Sabha. The Bill intends to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. According to the committee, any religious test for citizenship has the potential to undermine the basic tenets of democracy. "Religious pluralism is central to the foundations of both India and the United States and is one of our core shared values. Any religious test for citizenship undermines this most basic democratic tenet," the committee said after the passage of the bill. The legislation was passed with a majority, with 311 votes in favour and 80 against after a seven-hour-long debate. People belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities from the three neighbouring countries and living in India will no longer be treated as illegal immigrants, if they arrived before December 31, 2014. "The Bill enshrines a pathway to citizenship for immigrants that specifically excludes Muslims, setting a legal criterion for citizenship based on religion", said the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. The bill will be tabled in Rajya Sabha and require the support of at least 123 Members of Parliament in the 245-member house. (With inputs from ANI)

Citizenship (Amendment) Bill may undermine basic tenets of democracy: United States

The ministry of external affairs(MEA) today slammed the US panel on international religious freedom for its statements on the citizenship amendment bill.

"We regret the inaccurate and unwarranted comments made by USCIRF on CAB," the MEA said, adding, "they have chosen to be guided by their prejudices and biases on a matter on which they have little knowledge and no locus standi."

"The Bill provides expedited consideration for Indian citizenship to persecuted religious minorities already in India from certain contiguous countries. It seeks to address their current difficulties and meet their basic human rights," it said.

"Such an initiative should be welcomed, not criticised by those who are genuinely committed to religious freedom," the MEA statement said.

On Tuesday, the US House foreign affairs committee has raised concerns over the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

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We regret the inaccurate and unwarranted comments made by USCIRF on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAB</a>. They have chosen to be guided by their prejudices and biases on a matter on which they have little knowledge and no locus standi. 
 
Read our full statement below ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/BLajy03MtZ">pic.twitter.com/BLajy03MtZ</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1204322008495837184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Religious pluralism is central to the foundations of both India and the United States and is one of our core shared values. Any religious test for citizenship undermines this most basic democratic tenet," the committee reacted after the passage of the bill.

"The CAB does not affect the existing avenues available to all communities interested in seeking citizenship from doing so. The record of granting such citizenship would bear out the government of India's objectivity in that record," the MEA said.

"Neither the CAB nor the National Register of Citizens(NRC) process seeks to strip citizenship from any Indian citizen of any faith," it said.

"Suggestions to that affect are motivated and unjustified."

"Every nation, including the United States, has the right to enumerate and validate its citizenry and to exercise this prerogative through various policies," the statement added.

"The position articulated by USCIRF is not surprising given its past record. It is, however, regrettable that the body has chosen to be guided only by its prejudices and biases on a matter on which clearly it has little knowledge and no locus standi."

The ministry of external affairs(MEA) today slammed the US panel on international religious freedom for its statements on the citizenship amendment bill. "We regret the inaccurate and unwarranted comments made by USCIRF on CAB," the MEA said, adding, "they have chosen to be guided by their prejudices and biases on a matter on which they have little knowledge and no locus standi.

The ministry of external affairs(MEA) today slammed the US panel on international religious freedom for its statements on the citizenship amendment bill. "We regret the inaccurate and unwarranted comments made by USCIRF on CAB," the MEA said, adding, "they have chosen to be guided by their prejudices and biases on a matter on which they have little knowledge and no locus standi." "The Bill provides expedited consideration for Indian citizenship to persecuted religious minorities already in India from certain contiguous countries. It seeks to address their current difficulties and meet their basic human rights," it said. "Such an initiative should be welcomed, not criticised by those who are genuinely committed to religious freedom," the MEA statement said. On Tuesday, the US House foreign affairs committee has raised concerns over the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha. We regret the inaccurate and unwarranted comments made by USCIRF on #CAB. They have chosen to be guided by their prejudices and biases on a matter on which they have little knowledge and no locus standi. Read our full statement below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/BLajy03MtZ — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) December 10, 2019 × "Religious pluralism is central to the foundations of both India and the United States and is one of our core shared values. Any religious test for citizenship undermines this most basic democratic tenet," the committee reacted after the passage of the bill. "The CAB does not affect the existing avenues available to all communities interested in seeking citizenship from doing so. The record of granting such citizenship would bear out the government of India's objectivity in that record," the MEA said. "Neither the CAB nor the National Register of Citizens(NRC) process seeks to strip citizenship from any Indian citizen of any faith," it said. "Suggestions to that affect are motivated and unjustified." "Every nation, including the United States, has the right to enumerate and validate its citizenry and to exercise this prerogative through various policies," the statement added. "The position articulated by USCIRF is not surprising given its past record. It is, however, regrettable that the body has chosen to be guided only by its prejudices and biases on a matter on which clearly it has little knowledge and no locus standi."

India slams US panel over statement on Citizenship Amendment Bill

The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bandh-against-citizenship-bill-hits-normal-life-in-assam-other-ne-states-189002">AAPSU</a>) on Tuesday announced an 11-hour statewide bandh in support of the North East Students' Organisation's (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bandh-in-northeast-states-against-police-firing-on-people-protesting-against-citizenship-bill-in-tripura-189902">NESO</a>) decision to shut down the entire Northeast region, except Nagaland, to protest against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/citizenship-amendment-bill-secularism-unfinished-business-in-india-266260">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill</a> (CAB), 2019.

Addressing media, AAPSU vice-president Meje Taku said, "The AAPSU stands with the NESO and the people of the Northeast region in the fight against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. The AAPSU is with the NESO's decision to shut down the Northeast against the Centre for passing the Bill in Lok Sabha."

"The shutdown is for the cause of the Northeast's indigenous people and the greater interest of the region. We appeal to every individual to support the NESO and the AAPSU movement. The BJP government at the Centre passed the Bill despite strong opposition from the northeastern states," he added.

Asserting that AAPSU will stand with NESO, Taku said, "Although Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that the CAB would not be applicable to Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime states like Arunachal, Mizoram, and Nagaland, AAPSU's stance on the matter is very clear and it will stand with NESO and its decision."

Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, and Meghalaya are exempted from the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, however, massive protests are going on in these states against the central government over the Bill.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to give citizenship to refugees from the Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zorastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, was passed in Lok Sabha on Monday.

&nbsp;However, according to sources, the Bill will be tabled in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) on Tuesday announced an 11-hour statewide bandh in support of the North East Students' Organisation's (NESO) decision to shut down the entire Northeast region, except Nagaland, to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB), 2019.

The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) on Tuesday announced an 11-hour statewide bandh in support of the North East Students' Organisation's (NESO) decision to shut down the entire Northeast region, except Nagaland, to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB), 2019. Addressing media, AAPSU vice-president Meje Taku said, "The AAPSU stands with the NESO and the people of the Northeast region in the fight against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. The AAPSU is with the NESO's decision to shut down the Northeast against the Centre for passing the Bill in Lok Sabha." "The shutdown is for the cause of the Northeast's indigenous people and the greater interest of the region. We appeal to every individual to support the NESO and the AAPSU movement. The BJP government at the Centre passed the Bill despite strong opposition from the northeastern states," he added. Asserting that AAPSU will stand with NESO, Taku said, "Although Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that the CAB would not be applicable to Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime states like Arunachal, Mizoram, and Nagaland, AAPSU's stance on the matter is very clear and it will stand with NESO and its decision." Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, and Meghalaya are exempted from the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, however, massive protests are going on in these states against the central government over the Bill. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to give citizenship to refugees from the Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zorastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, was passed in Lok Sabha on Monday. However, according to sources, the Bill will be tabled in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

Arunachal: AAPSU holds protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill

Raising objections over the allotment of 5-acre land to Sunni Muslims, Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board chairman Wasim Rizmi on Tuesday said that the land should be given to Shias and not Sunnis as Mir Bakshi was a Shia.

"The mosque was built by Mir Bakshi on the temple. He was a Shia.even if the land is allotted then it should be given to Shias, not Sunnis," he said while speaking to ANI in Lucknow.

"The 5-acre land should not be given to Sunnis in Ayodhya. The land should be given for charitable purposes. This is not right," he addded.

In a unanimous verdict, the Supreme Court last month cleared the way for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/ayodhya-verdict-heals-wounds-of-all-parties-266140">Ayodhya</a> and directed the Centre to allot a separate five-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board to build a mosque.

Yesterday also Rizmi urged Centre to include his community in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-cabinet-clears-citizenship-amendment-bill-2019-266134">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019</a> claiming that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shia-sunni-muslims-stand-shouldertoshoulder-for-eid-prayers-in-indian-capital-6286">Shia Muslim community</a> has been facing religious discrimination in several countries.

"We want to bring to your notice that Shia Muslims are being subjected to inhumane treatment and also being killed in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Syria, Saudi

Arabia, and Kenya because of their minority status," he wrote in the letter, calling Shias a weak section of the Muslim community.

He had further stated that the Shia community is being exploited by the Sunni community for nearly fourteen hundred years.

Raising objections over the allotment of 5-acre land to Sunni Muslims, Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board chairman Wasim Rizmi on Tuesday said that the land should be given to Shias and not Sunnis as Mir Bakshi was a Shia.

Raising objections over the allotment of 5-acre land to Sunni Muslims, Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board chairman Wasim Rizmi on Tuesday said that the land should be given to Shias and not Sunnis as Mir Bakshi was a Shia. "The mosque was built by Mir Bakshi on the temple. He was a Shia.even if the land is allotted then it should be given to Shias, not Sunnis," he said while speaking to ANI in Lucknow. "The 5-acre land should not be given to Sunnis in Ayodhya. The land should be given for charitable purposes. This is not right," he addded. In a unanimous verdict, the Supreme Court last month cleared the way for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya and directed the Centre to allot a separate five-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board to build a mosque. Yesterday also Rizmi urged Centre to include his community in Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 claiming that the Shia Muslim community has been facing religious discrimination in several countries. "We want to bring to your notice that Shia Muslims are being subjected to inhumane treatment and also being killed in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Kenya because of their minority status," he wrote in the letter, calling Shias a weak section of the Muslim community. He had further stated that the Shia community is being exploited by the Sunni community for nearly fourteen hundred years.

Ayodhya verdict: UP Shia Central Waqf Board chairman raises objection against allotment of 5-acre land to Sunnis

India and Denmark will hold a joint working group meeting in New Delhi to chalk out mutually beneficial programs over the next two years as a part of their efforts towards climate change, Union Minister for Environment and Forest Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday. 
 
The decision in this regard was taken during a bilateral meeting held here between Javadekar and a delegation from Denmark led by Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Dan Jorgensen. 
 
During the meeting, the two sides shared their positions on key approaches towards climate change such as adaptation, mitigation, technology, finance, waste management and afforestation, Javadekar wrote on Twitter. 
 
"Had a cordial bilateral meeting with a #Denmark delegation led by Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Mr Dan Jorgensen. We shared our positions on Adaptation, Mitigation, Technology, Finance, Waste Management and Afforestation. #ClimateAction @UNFCCC," Javadekar tweeted. 
 
"#India and #Denmark decided to hold a Joint Working Group Meeting in #Delhi to chalk out mutually beneficial programs for the next two years. #ClimateAction @UNFCCC," the following tweet read.

India and Denmark will hold a joint working group meeting in New Delhi to chalk out mutually beneficial programs over the next two years as a part of their efforts towards climate change, Union Minister for Environment and Forest Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday.

India and Denmark will hold a joint working group meeting in New Delhi to chalk out mutually beneficial programs over the next two years as a part of their efforts towards climate change, Union Minister for Environment and Forest Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday. The decision in this regard was taken during a bilateral meeting held here between Javadekar and a delegation from Denmark led by Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Dan Jorgensen. During the meeting, the two sides shared their positions on key approaches towards climate change such as adaptation, mitigation, technology, finance, waste management and afforestation, Javadekar wrote on Twitter. "Had a cordial bilateral meeting with a #Denmark delegation led by Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Mr Dan Jorgensen. We shared our positions on Adaptation, Mitigation, Technology, Finance, Waste Management and Afforestation. #ClimateAction @UNFCCC," Javadekar tweeted. "#India and #Denmark decided to hold a Joint Working Group Meeting in #Delhi to chalk out mutually beneficial programs for the next two years. #ClimateAction @UNFCCC," the following tweet read.

India, Denmark to hold meeting to chalk out action plan against climate change

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-we-were-anti-national-would-rajnath-singh-welcome-me-asks-aiudf-chief-33720">Badruddin Ajmal</a>, the chief of Assam-based All India United Democratic Front (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-mlas-stage-walkout-from-assembly-over-citizenship-amendment-bill-265023">AIUDF</a>), on Tuesday, expressed displeasure with the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha and called it 'unconstitutional.'

"I am against this bill because it is against the constitution. The Constitution does not give the right to bring people to India on the basis of religion," Ajmal told ANI.

He also claimed that the BJP-led the government wants to "bring people to the country on the basis of religion" and added "this is against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assams-aiudf-protests-against-citizenship-amendment-bill-in-delhi-267164">Assam Accord</a>. This is just a political stunt to by the Centre to bag votes in the next elections."

"What about those who have come from Pakistan. They may later act as an agent for Pakistan. They will give them jobs also. This is not right," Ajmal added.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which was passed by Lok Sabha yesterday, will be tabled in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, sources said.

The Bill, which seeks to give citizenship to refugees from the Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zorastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh was passed in Lok Sabha on Monday.

The House passed the Bill with a majority of 311 votes against 80 votes where 391 members were present and voted.

In Rajya Sabha, the Modi government requires the support of at least 123 MPs in the 245-member house. 
&nbsp;

Badruddin Ajmal, the chief of Assam-based All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), on Tuesday, expressed displeasure with the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha and called it 'unconstitutional.

Badruddin Ajmal, the chief of Assam-based All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), on Tuesday, expressed displeasure with the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha and called it 'unconstitutional.' "I am against this bill because it is against the constitution. The Constitution does not give the right to bring people to India on the basis of religion," Ajmal told ANI. He also claimed that the BJP-led the government wants to "bring people to the country on the basis of religion" and added "this is against the Assam Accord. This is just a political stunt to by the Centre to bag votes in the next elections." "What about those who have come from Pakistan. They may later act as an agent for Pakistan. They will give them jobs also. This is not right," Ajmal added. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which was passed by Lok Sabha yesterday, will be tabled in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, sources said. The Bill, which seeks to give citizenship to refugees from the Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zorastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh was passed in Lok Sabha on Monday. The House passed the Bill with a majority of 311 votes against 80 votes where 391 members were present and voted. In Rajya Sabha, the Modi government requires the support of at least 123 MPs in the 245-member house.

AIUDF calls Citizenship Bill 'unconstitutional'

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dgca-meeting-with-goair-and-indigo-to-review-performance-of-airbus-neo-aircraft-246197">GoAir </a>Singapore-Bengaluru flight carrying 158 passengers on-board had an air turn back shortly after takeoff on Monday following a technical issue, an official release said.

"GoAir flight G8 28 Singapore - Bengaluru had an air turn back on priority shortly after takeoff following a technical issue. There were 158 passengers on board. The aircraft is currently being attended to by the GoAir engineering team," GoAir Spokesperson said in a media statement.

The Spokesperson said that the safety of passengers and crew is of paramount importance and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to them.

&nbsp;

A GoAir Singapore-Bengaluru flight carrying 158 passengers on-board had an air turn back shortly after takeoff on Monday following a technical issue, an official release said.

A GoAir Singapore-Bengaluru flight carrying 158 passengers on-board had an air turn back shortly after takeoff on Monday following a technical issue, an official release said. "GoAir flight G8 28 Singapore - Bengaluru had an air turn back on priority shortly after takeoff following a technical issue. There were 158 passengers on board. The aircraft is currently being attended to by the GoAir engineering team," GoAir Spokesperson said in a media statement. The Spokesperson said that the safety of passengers and crew is of paramount importance and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to them.

GoAir Singapore-Bengaluru flight turns back due to technical issue

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-maharashtras-parbhani-petrol-prices-touch-nearly-rs-90-per-litre-164961">Commercial Taxes Department</a> in the past two weeks conducted drives in which it imposed penalties on those dealers who failed to give<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/navjot-singh-sidhus-bank-accounts-seized-for-nonpayment-of-taxes-127186"> tax invoices</a> to their customers.

A press note from Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Bengaluru said, "The officers of South Zone, Enforcement Wing of Commercial Taxes Department of Karnataka, in past two weeks conducted a 'Test Purchase Drive' and have collected tax penalty of Rs 1.42 Crore from the dealers who failed to issue tax invoices and on further inspection unearthed suppressed turnover of Rs 20.79 Crore involving tax of Rs 3 Crore. This is part of ongoing effort to ensure compliance in providing tax invoices/bills by the assessees."

The press note said, "The officers visited business premises in the guise of customers at SP Road, BVK Iyengar Road, Sultan pet, Raja market, etc., in the Central Business District area of Bengaluru and conducted test purchases by purchasing goods in 113 premises covering Electronics, Electrical, Readymade garments, and Jewellery shops and wherever the dealers failed to issue valid tax invoices, levied penalty under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/laptops-set-to-become-costlier-post-gst-17453">GST </a>Act 2017."

"It is hereby informed that the department will continue to conduct such operations in different parts of the city and stringent action will be initiated against non-compliant dealers and all consumers are hereby informed to demand tax invoice/bill for sale for all the purchases and if any taxable person denies issuing invoice, information may be shared on phone no 080-25706210," the press note added.

The Commercial Taxes Department in the past two weeks conducted drives in which it imposed penalties on those dealers who failed to give tax invoices to their customers.

The Commercial Taxes Department in the past two weeks conducted drives in which it imposed penalties on those dealers who failed to give tax invoices to their customers. A press note from Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Bengaluru said, "The officers of South Zone, Enforcement Wing of Commercial Taxes Department of Karnataka, in past two weeks conducted a 'Test Purchase Drive' and have collected tax penalty of Rs 1.42 Crore from the dealers who failed to issue tax invoices and on further inspection unearthed suppressed turnover of Rs 20.79 Crore involving tax of Rs 3 Crore. This is part of ongoing effort to ensure compliance in providing tax invoices/bills by the assessees." The press note said, "The officers visited business premises in the guise of customers at SP Road, BVK Iyengar Road, Sultan pet, Raja market, etc., in the Central Business District area of Bengaluru and conducted test purchases by purchasing goods in 113 premises covering Electronics, Electrical, Readymade garments, and Jewellery shops and wherever the dealers failed to issue valid tax invoices, levied penalty under GST Act 2017." "It is hereby informed that the department will continue to conduct such operations in different parts of the city and stringent action will be initiated against non-compliant dealers and all consumers are hereby informed to demand tax invoice/bill for sale for all the purchases and if any taxable person denies issuing invoice, information may be shared on phone no 080-25706210," the press note added.

Bengaluru: Commercial taxes department penalises dealers for not giving invoices to customers

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday took up for discussion a Bill to extend the reservation for SCs and STs in the Lower House and state assemblies by ten years with Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad urging the members to pass the legislation unanimously to convey its commitment to ensuring the welfare of these sections. 
 
Moving the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2019, for passage in the Lok Sabha, Prasad said that the Constitution makers had thought it necessary to give political reservation to SCs and STs. The Bill seeks to extend the reservation in legislatures by ten years. 
 
Prasad said that there was also a provision of reservation for Anglo-Indians but the government had not brought it to the House and "was deliberating on it". 
According to the 2011 census, there were 296 members of the Anglo-Indian community, the minister said. 
 
With opposition members raising questions on the government's move, Prasad said that the Congress in the past had ended concessions given to them in postal department and railways. 
 
He said opposition members should do their "homework" before raising an issue. "We have not closed the doors," the minister said. 
 
Prasad said that it was decided to provide reservations to SCs and STs in proportion to their population in state assemblies. 
 
The minister outlined that the reservation was given to make up for the discrimination these communities had suffered due to prevalent social evils in the Hindu community. "If they faced discrimination for historical reasons, it is the constitutional duty of Parliament (to provide reservation)," he said. 
 
Prasad informed the House that 84 of 543 seats in Lok Sabha were reserved for SCs and 47 for STs. In states, he said, 614 of 4,120 seats were reserved for SCs. 
 
The minister said the SC population was 20.6 crore and ST population was 10.45 crore, according to 2011 census. 
 
Prasad noted that there was a need for the Bill to be brought as the reservation for SCs and STs will end on January 25, 2020.

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday took up for discussion a Bill to extend the reservation for SCs and STs in the Lower House and state assemblies by ten years with Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad urging the members to pass the legislation unanimously to convey its commitment to ensuring the welfare of these sections.

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday took up for discussion a Bill to extend the reservation for SCs and STs in the Lower House and state assemblies by ten years with Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad urging the members to pass the legislation unanimously to convey its commitment to ensuring the welfare of these sections. Moving the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2019, for passage in the Lok Sabha, Prasad said that the Constitution makers had thought it necessary to give political reservation to SCs and STs. The Bill seeks to extend the reservation in legislatures by ten years. Prasad said that there was also a provision of reservation for Anglo-Indians but the government had not brought it to the House and "was deliberating on it". According to the 2011 census, there were 296 members of the Anglo-Indian community, the minister said. With opposition members raising questions on the government's move, Prasad said that the Congress in the past had ended concessions given to them in postal department and railways. He said opposition members should do their "homework" before raising an issue. "We have not closed the doors," the minister said. Prasad said that it was decided to provide reservations to SCs and STs in proportion to their population in state assemblies. The minister outlined that the reservation was given to make up for the discrimination these communities had suffered due to prevalent social evils in the Hindu community. "If they faced discrimination for historical reasons, it is the constitutional duty of Parliament (to provide reservation)," he said. Prasad informed the House that 84 of 543 seats in Lok Sabha were reserved for SCs and 47 for STs. In states, he said, 614 of 4,120 seats were reserved for SCs. The minister said the SC population was 20.6 crore and ST population was 10.45 crore, according to 2011 census. Prasad noted that there was a need for the Bill to be brought as the reservation for SCs and STs will end on January 25, 2020.

Lok Sabha takes up bill to extend political reservations to SCs, STs

India asked Japan on Tuesday to take steps to reduce the Japanese trade surplus and sought more market access for Indian goods and services, a government statement said, before Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit next week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abe plan to hold a summit in eastern India's city of Guwahati on December 15-16. During Modi's visit to Tokyo last year, they agreed to seek closer economic and military ties as both countries are wary of China.

Bilateral trade between the two countries rose to $17.63 billion in 2018/19 from $10.9 billion in 2008/09. The trade balance widened to $7.9 billion in favour of Japan.

Despite India's decision to walk out of an ASEAN-led 15- nation regional free-trade pact, Japan is still hopeful that Modi will reconsider his decision, officials said.

Piyush Goyal, India's trade minister, has raised the issue of the widening trade deficit with his counterpart, Hiroshi Kajiyama. They discussed bilateral trade issues and the next review of the free trade pact, signed by the two countries in 2011.

"Balancing trade is a high priority for India with all partners," said the statement, adding both ministers agreed to ask their officials to prepare a plan to address the issues.

"Despite commitments in CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) from Japan, market access for India’s goods and services remains elusive," it said.

Goyal later told the parliament that the government was committed to further India’s trade interests in all future engagements.

India asked Japan on Tuesday to take steps to reduce the Japanese trade surplus and sought more market access for Indian goods and services, a government statement said, before Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit next week.

India asked Japan on Tuesday to take steps to reduce the Japanese trade surplus and sought more market access for Indian goods and services, a government statement said, before Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit next week. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abe plan to hold a summit in eastern India's city of Guwahati on December 15-16. During Modi's visit to Tokyo last year, they agreed to seek closer economic and military ties as both countries are wary of China. Bilateral trade between the two countries rose to $17.63 billion in 2018/19 from $10.9 billion in 2008/09. The trade balance widened to $7.9 billion in favour of Japan. Despite India's decision to walk out of an ASEAN-led 15- nation regional free-trade pact, Japan is still hopeful that Modi will reconsider his decision, officials said. Piyush Goyal, India's trade minister, has raised the issue of the widening trade deficit with his counterpart, Hiroshi Kajiyama. They discussed bilateral trade issues and the next review of the free trade pact, signed by the two countries in 2011. "Balancing trade is a high priority for India with all partners," said the statement, adding both ministers agreed to ask their officials to prepare a plan to address the issues. "Despite commitments in CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) from Japan, market access for India’s goods and services remains elusive," it said. Goyal later told the parliament that the government was committed to further India’s trade interests in all future engagements.

India asks Japan to reduce trade surplus before Abe's visit

The Home Ministry on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that 22,557 terrorists have been killed in terror incidents since 1990. 
 
"Since 1990.. 22,557 militants have been neutralised in incidents of terrorist violence by security forces till 1st December 2019," G Kishan Reddy, MoS for Home Affairs, in a written reply told the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. 
 
From 2005 till October 31 this year, nearly 1000 terrorists have been killed while trying to cross over into India through Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, while 2,253 were pushed back due to vigil by security forces, the Lower House was informed. 
 
"During attempts of infiltration from across Line of Control from 2005 till 31st October, 2019, 1011 militants have been killed, 42 militants apprehended and 2253 militants pushed back/returned due to efficient vigil of security forces," Reddy added. 
 
The minister, speaking about the Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict, stated that the central government is duty-bound to act as per the directions and orders of the top court, within a stipulated time frame. 
 
"Directions of Supreme Court in its judgement on Ram Janma Bhoomi-Babri Masjid matter include formulation of a scheme by Centre with necessary provisions for setting up of a Trust with a Board of Trustees or any other appropriate body, the functioning of the Trust, the powers of the Trustees, transfer of land to the Trust and all necessary, incidental and supplemental matters," he said. 
 
Reddy also said that the government of Jammu and Kashmir had reported that "in order to prevent committing of offences involving a breach of peace, activities prejudicial to the security of State and maintenance of public order", stone pelters, overground workers, separatists, were taken into preventive custody under statutory provisions. 
 
Such preventive detentions are being regularly reviewed by relevant statutory authorities.

The Home Ministry on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that 22,557 terrorists have been killed in terror incidents since 1990. "Since 1990.. 22,557 militants have been neutralised in incidents of terrorist violence by security forces till 1st December 2019," G Kishan Reddy, MoS for Home Affairs, in a written reply told the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

The Home Ministry on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that 22,557 terrorists have been killed in terror incidents since 1990. "Since 1990.. 22,557 militants have been neutralised in incidents of terrorist violence by security forces till 1st December 2019," G Kishan Reddy, MoS for Home Affairs, in a written reply told the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. From 2005 till October 31 this year, nearly 1000 terrorists have been killed while trying to cross over into India through Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, while 2,253 were pushed back due to vigil by security forces, the Lower House was informed. "During attempts of infiltration from across Line of Control from 2005 till 31st October, 2019, 1011 militants have been killed, 42 militants apprehended and 2253 militants pushed back/returned due to efficient vigil of security forces," Reddy added. The minister, speaking about the Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict, stated that the central government is duty-bound to act as per the directions and orders of the top court, within a stipulated time frame. "Directions of Supreme Court in its judgement on Ram Janma Bhoomi-Babri Masjid matter include formulation of a scheme by Centre with necessary provisions for setting up of a Trust with a Board of Trustees or any other appropriate body, the functioning of the Trust, the powers of the Trustees, transfer of land to the Trust and all necessary, incidental and supplemental matters," he said. Reddy also said that the government of Jammu and Kashmir had reported that "in order to prevent committing of offences involving a breach of peace, activities prejudicial to the security of State and maintenance of public order", stone pelters, overground workers, separatists, were taken into preventive custody under statutory provisions. Such preventive detentions are being regularly reviewed by relevant statutory authorities.

22,557 terrorists neutralised since 1990: Home Ministry

Akshay Kumar Singh, one of the convicts in the brutal December 16, 2012, gang-rape and murder case, on Tuesday, filed a review petition in the Supreme Court seeking modification and leniency. 
 
Singh was sentenced to death by a trial court on September 13, 2013, for raping and murdering the 23-year-old woman physiotherapist on the&nbsp;night of December 16, 2012, in the national capital. 
 
His sentence was upheld by the Delhi High Court and finally by the Supreme Court. 
 
The convict,&nbsp;Akshay,&nbsp;in his review petition pleaded and requested the Supreme Court to consider his prayer and review its earlier judgement of May 5, 2017, in which the top cop sentenced him to the gallows. 
 
"We are requesting the apex court to conduct the review petition hearing in an open court," Dr AP Singh, the lawyer for the convict, told ANI. 
 
The apex court had on May 5, 2017, upheld the death sentence of all the four convicts in the brutal December 16 gangrape and murder case. 
The apex court, while dismissing the appeal of the four convicts, had said that the crime fell in the rarest of rare category and "shaken the conscience of the society."

Akshay Kumar Singh, one of the convicts in the brutal December 16, 2012, gang-rape and murder case, on Tuesday, filed a review petition in the Supreme Court seeking modification and leniency.

Akshay Kumar Singh, one of the convicts in the brutal December 16, 2012, gang-rape and murder case, on Tuesday, filed a review petition in the Supreme Court seeking modification and leniency. Singh was sentenced to death by a trial court on September 13, 2013, for raping and murdering the 23-year-old woman physiotherapist on the night of December 16, 2012, in the national capital. His sentence was upheld by the Delhi High Court and finally by the Supreme Court. The convict, Akshay, in his review petition pleaded and requested the Supreme Court to consider his prayer and review its earlier judgement of May 5, 2017, in which the top cop sentenced him to the gallows. "We are requesting the apex court to conduct the review petition hearing in an open court," Dr AP Singh, the lawyer for the convict, told ANI. The apex court had on May 5, 2017, upheld the death sentence of all the four convicts in the brutal December 16 gangrape and murder case. The apex court, while dismissing the appeal of the four convicts, had said that the crime fell in the rarest of rare category and "shaken the conscience of the society."

Nirbhaya case: Convict files review petition seeking leniency in Supreme Court

The Centre on Tuesday informed Lok Sabha that as many as 84 infiltration attempts were made along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and 59 terrorists could have entered the Valley since August 2019. 
 
"Regular attempts for infiltration by terrorists through the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir are sponsored and supported from across the border. Since August 2019, 84 such attempts have been made from across the border and it is estimated that 59 such terrorists could have infiltrated," Minister of State for Home Affairs, G Kishan Reddy said in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha. 
 
The MoS Home said that since 1990, as many as 22,557 militants have been neutralized in incidents of terrorist violence by security forces till December 1 this year. 
 
"During the attempts of infiltration from across the border from 2005 till 31st October 2019, 1011 militants have been killed, 42 militants have been apprehended and 2253 militants have been pushed back/returned due to efficient vigil of security forces," he said. 
 
To a question about "if it is a fact that LoC is vulnerable that security forces are not able to keep vigil efficiently", the MoS Home said, "Infiltration attempts are part of proxy war agenda of adversary to replenish the depleted terrorist strength in the valley to achieve its intention to ratchet up violence in Jammu and Kashmir and internationalize the issue." 
 
He stressed that relentless domination operations, ambushes and patrols are being conducted to thwart infiltration attempts and in addition, a robust counter-infiltration grid is in place to foil infiltration attempts. 
 
Centre had in August this year announced the decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. It had also announced simultaneously that the state will be bifurcated into two Union Territories.

The Centre on Tuesday informed Lok Sabha that as many as 84 infiltration attempts were made along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and 59 terrorists could have entered the Valley since August 2019.

The Centre on Tuesday informed Lok Sabha that as many as 84 infiltration attempts were made along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and 59 terrorists could have entered the Valley since August 2019. "Regular attempts for infiltration by terrorists through the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir are sponsored and supported from across the border. Since August 2019, 84 such attempts have been made from across the border and it is estimated that 59 such terrorists could have infiltrated," Minister of State for Home Affairs, G Kishan Reddy said in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha. The MoS Home said that since 1990, as many as 22,557 militants have been neutralized in incidents of terrorist violence by security forces till December 1 this year. "During the attempts of infiltration from across the border from 2005 till 31st October 2019, 1011 militants have been killed, 42 militants have been apprehended and 2253 militants have been pushed back/returned due to efficient vigil of security forces," he said. To a question about "if it is a fact that LoC is vulnerable that security forces are not able to keep vigil efficiently", the MoS Home said, "Infiltration attempts are part of proxy war agenda of adversary to replenish the depleted terrorist strength in the valley to achieve its intention to ratchet up violence in Jammu and Kashmir and internationalize the issue." He stressed that relentless domination operations, ambushes and patrols are being conducted to thwart infiltration attempts and in addition, a robust counter-infiltration grid is in place to foil infiltration attempts. Centre had in August this year announced the decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. It had also announced simultaneously that the state will be bifurcated into two Union Territories.

84 infiltration attempts by terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir since August: Home Ministry

National Students' Union of India, the Congress' student wing, on Tuesday held a 'Chhatra Adhikaar Rally' in Delhi against the Central government's education policies. 
 
The rally focused on the condition of educational institutions, fee hike, privatisation of education under the New Education Policy 2019 and the alleged anti-student policies of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA government in the country. 
 
The rally started from the Mandi House and culminated at the Parliamentary Street in Delhi. 
 
Senior Congress leaders including Ahmed Patel, KC Venugopal, Mukul Wasnik and Kirti Azad participated in the rally.

National Students' Union of India, the Congress' student wing, on Tuesday held a 'Chhatra Adhikaar Rally' in Delhi against the Central government's education policies.

National Students' Union of India, the Congress' student wing, on Tuesday held a 'Chhatra Adhikaar Rally' in Delhi against the Central government's education policies. The rally focused on the condition of educational institutions, fee hike, privatisation of education under the New Education Policy 2019 and the alleged anti-student policies of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA government in the country. The rally started from the Mandi House and culminated at the Parliamentary Street in Delhi. Senior Congress leaders including Ahmed Patel, KC Venugopal, Mukul Wasnik and Kirti Azad participated in the rally.

Delhi: NSUI holds rally against government's education policies

A convict in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirbhaya-rape-case-court-seeks-status-report-from-tihar-jail-authorities-224277">Nirbhaya's case</a>, Pawan, was shifted to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-priyanka-gandhi-to-meet-chidambaram-at-tihar-jail-tomorrow-264716">Tihar jail</a> on Sunday from Mandoli jail where he was lodged earlier.

The Nirbhaya case is about the gang-rape and brutal torture of a 23-year-old woman on December 16, 2012, which led to her death.

All the six accused in the case were arrested and charged with sexual assault and murder.

One of the accused was a minor and appeared before a juvenile justice court, while another accused committed suicide in Tihar jail.

A convict in Nirbhaya's case, Pawan, was shifted to Tihar jail on Sunday from Mandoli jail where he was lodged earlier. The Nirbhaya case is about the gang-rape and brutal torture of a 23-year-old woman on December 16, 2012, which led to her death.

A convict in Nirbhaya's case, Pawan, was shifted to Tihar jail on Sunday from Mandoli jail where he was lodged earlier. The Nirbhaya case is about the gang-rape and brutal torture of a 23-year-old woman on December 16, 2012, which led to her death. All the six accused in the case were arrested and charged with sexual assault and murder. One of the accused was a minor and appeared before a juvenile justice court, while another accused committed suicide in Tihar jail.

Convict in Nirbhaya case shifted to Tihar jail

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