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A delegation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jawaharlal-nehru-university-row-delhi-police-register-fir-over-defacement-of-public-property-262670">Jawaharlal Nehru University</a> (JNU) students on Wednesday reached the Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD).

The Ministry has appointed a high power committee for discussion with students and administration to restore the normal functioning and peaceful resolution of all issues in the University.

Also watch:&nbsp;Scuffle between JNU students and police outside campus during protest

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Former UGC Chairman VS Chauhan, AICTE Chairman Anil Sahasrabudhe, and UGC Secretary Rajnish Jain are members of the committee.

The committee is scheduled to hold a meeting to discuss the issue at 3 pm at Shastri Bhawan here.

Yesterday, the JNUSU repeated its demand for rollback of the 'illegally passed draft manual', and fee structure.

In a letter, the JNUSU had said, "The JNUSU would like to reiterate its demands of immediate rollback of the illegally passed draft manual, and fee structure, along with the declaration of the IHA meeting on October 28 as null and void, initiation of dialogue between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnu-administration-to-take-stringent-action-against-students-over-criminal-vandalism-262743">JNU Administration</a> and the

Student Community, represented by the elected student representatives, the JNUSU, and the Hostel Presidents."

"The MHRD and the HPEC should take serious cognizance of the illegalities in the JNU, perpetuated under the aegis of the JNU VC, Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, and recommend his removal from the post of JNU VC," the JNUSU had said.

A delegation of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students on Wednesday reached the Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD). The Ministry has appointed a high power committee for discussion with students and administration to restore the normal functioning and peaceful resolution of all issues in the University.

A delegation of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students on Wednesday reached the Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD). The Ministry has appointed a high power committee for discussion with students and administration to restore the normal functioning and peaceful resolution of all issues in the University. Also watch: Scuffle between JNU students and police outside campus during protest × Former UGC Chairman VS Chauhan, AICTE Chairman Anil Sahasrabudhe, and UGC Secretary Rajnish Jain are members of the committee. The committee is scheduled to hold a meeting to discuss the issue at 3 pm at Shastri Bhawan here. Yesterday, the JNUSU repeated its demand for rollback of the 'illegally passed draft manual', and fee structure. In a letter, the JNUSU had said, "The JNUSU would like to reiterate its demands of immediate rollback of the illegally passed draft manual, and fee structure, along with the declaration of the IHA meeting on October 28 as null and void, initiation of dialogue between the JNU Administration and the Student Community, represented by the elected student representatives, the JNUSU, and the Hostel Presidents." "The MHRD and the HPEC should take serious cognizance of the illegalities in the JNU, perpetuated under the aegis of the JNU VC, Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, and recommend his removal from the post of JNU VC," the JNUSU had said.

Delegation of JNU students reaches Ministry of Human Resources Development

Union Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-to-speak-in-rajya-sabha-today-263306">Amit Shah</a> on Wednesday said in Rajya Sabha that the situation is "fully normal" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-abrogation-pakistan-halts-repatriation-of-indian-nationals-in-its-custody-263024">Jammu and Kashmir </a>and not a single person had died in police firing after August 5, when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fulfilled-sardar-patels-dream-by-making-jammu-and-kashmir-inseparable-part-of-india-amit-shah-on-abrogation-of-article-370-245290">Article 370</a> was abrogated and the two Union territories (Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh) were carved out of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Replying to Congress MP Majeed Memon, Shah said: "In Jammu and Kashmir the situation has become fully normal. There are various kinds of rumours in India and all over the world but I want to tell that not a single person has died in police firing after August 5.

"The incidents of stone-pelting have witnessed a dip as compared to that of last year," he said.

All Urdu and English newspapers and TV channels are functioning banking services are fully functional as well.&nbsp; All Government offices and all Courts are open. Block development council elections were held, 98.3 per cent polling was recorded," he added.

"99.7 per cent of class 10 and class 12th students have appeared in their exams," said Shah.

The Central government had in August announced a decision to scrap Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate the state in two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The two UTs came into existence on October 31.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said in Rajya Sabha that the situation is "fully normal" in Jammu and Kashmir and not a single person had died in police firing after August 5, when Article 370 was abrogated and the two Union territories (Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh) were carved out of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said in Rajya Sabha that the situation is "fully normal" in Jammu and Kashmir and not a single person had died in police firing after August 5, when Article 370 was abrogated and the two Union territories (Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh) were carved out of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Replying to Congress MP Majeed Memon, Shah said: "In Jammu and Kashmir the situation has become fully normal. There are various kinds of rumours in India and all over the world but I want to tell that not a single person has died in police firing after August 5. "The incidents of stone-pelting have witnessed a dip as compared to that of last year," he said. All Urdu and English newspapers and TV channels are functioning banking services are fully functional as well. All Government offices and all Courts are open. Block development council elections were held, 98.3 per cent polling was recorded," he added. "99.7 per cent of class 10 and class 12th students have appeared in their exams," said Shah. The Central government had in August announced a decision to scrap Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate the state in two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The two UTs came into existence on October 31.

Jammu & Kashmir situation fully normal, no deaths in police firing since August 5: Amit Shah

In Rajasthan's Sambar lake, at least 10,000 indigenous and migratory birds have died within a span of 9 months. Authorities sent samples to ascertain the cause of death. Ornithologists are unable to understand the cause of death. Watch this complete video to find out more in detail.

At least 10,000 indigenous, migratory birds died in Rajasthan

Pakistan has resumed postal mail services with India and lifted a ban on the delivery of letters, news agency ANI reported quoting a Pakistani media. Parcel services, however, remains banned, the reports added.

Pakistan has resumed postal mail services with India and lifted a ban on the delivery of letters, news agency ANI reported quoting a Pakistani media. Parcel services, however, remains banned, the reports added. Imran Khan-led Pakistan government unilaterally downgraded diplomatic relations with New Delhi after India abrogated Article 370 and bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories. In August, the Pakistan government suspended postal mail services and partially shut its airspace. India had slammed Pakistan as the move was in contravention of international norms. "Pakistan has stopped postal services to India for the last two months. After Pakistan has stopped it our postal department has also thought of taking appropriate action," Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad, had said on October 21.

Pakistan resumes postal mail services with India, lifts ban on delivery of letters  

India has asked Islamabad to provide consular access to two Indians --Prasanth Vaindan from Hyderabad and Wari Lal from Madhya Pardesh -- who Pakistan claims to have arrested on Monday after the duo crossed the border inadvertently in 2017.

India has asked Islamabad to provide consular access to two Indians --Prasanth Vaindan from Hyderabad and Wari Lal from Madhya Pardesh -- who Pakistan claims to have arrested on Monday after the duo crossed the border inadvertently in 2017. WION has learnt from informed sources that the duo had inadvertently crossed into Pakistan way back in 2017 but what is perplexing is the manner in which information came through the media from the other side on Monday. In the case of Prasanth Vaindan, India through diplomatic channels last raised the matter in May 2019 and in Bari Lal's case raised in December 2018 with Pakistan and had sought consular access to both but got no response. There are other cases of inadvertent crossing of border in the past, and India has also asked consular access and early repatriation of those Indians. In December 2018 India repatriated two Pakistani nationals -- Imran Warsi and Abdullah Shah -- to Pakistan after Islamabad released Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari who was in a Pakistan jail for six years. Imran Warsi, a Karachi resident was in an Indian jail for 10 years on charges of keeping a fake passport. He had come to India on a valid visa in 2004 and fell in love with an Indian girl and overstayed. Abdullah Shah, a resident of Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province had crossed over to India in 2017 to meet Bollywood star, Shah Rukh Khan. Abdullah was autistic.

India seeks consular access to two Indians arrested by Pakistan for border crossing

Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said that that a strong and stable government led by his party will be formed in Maharashtra soon. Raut's comments came a day after his meeting with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad pawar.

Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday said that that a strong and stable government led by his party will be formed in Maharashtra soon. Raut's comments came a day after his meeting with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad pawar. "A Shiv Sena-led government will be formed in Maharashtra soon. It will be a stable, strong and effective government. We want Uddhav Thackerey to lead the government," Raut was quoted as saying in a press conference. Raut said that his party will have the support of 170 MLAs in the assembly. "Shiv Sena is the largest party in the country. We have 18 MP and we are going to form a government in Maharashtra. We don't need anyone's interference. We will have the support of 170 MLAs on the floor," Raut said. He said that there is a consensus across party lines that the President's rule should end in the state. "I talked about the formation of government in the meeting with NCP leader Sharad Pawar yesterday. There is a consensus across party lines be it Shiv Sena, NCP, Congress or BJP that a government should be formed in the state," he noted. Raut met Pawar at his residence hours after the NCP chief met Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi. President's rule was imposed in Maharashtra after parties failed to form a government. (With inputs from ANI)

Strong and stable government will be formed in Maharashtra soon: Sanjay Raut 

Rajya Sabha was on Tuesday adjourned till 2pm after uproar over Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) hostel fee hike. Congress and other opposition parties disrupted the proceedings of the House forcing the Chairman Venkaiah Naidu to adjourn the proceedings.

Rajya Sabha was on Tuesday adjourned till 2pm after uproar over Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) hostel fee hike. Congress and other opposition parties disrupted the proceedings of the House forcing the Chairman Venkaiah Naidu to adjourn the proceedings. The Upper House was adjourned after chairman Naidu refused to allow suspension of business under rule 267 given by the Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Binoy Viswan. The JNU situation deteriorated last week after a clash broke out between the students and police during a protest over hike in fees. The university had hiked the rate of a student single room rent from Rs 10 to Rs 300 per month, for student double room from Rs 20 to Rs 600 per month and increased one-time refundable mess security deposit from Rs 5,500 to Rs 12,000. The fee was, however, partially rolled back following protest. Now, the room rent for single-seater rooms will be kept to Rs 600 per month, while it will be Rs 300 for those students who come from the below poverty line (BPL) category. The Rajya Sabha Chairman also said the House will look into the issue of the uniforms of the Rajya Sabha Marshals. "Secretariat of the Rajya Sabha after considering various suggestions came out with a new dress code for the marshals. But we've received some observations by some political as well as well-meaning people. I've decided to ask Secretariat to revisit the same," Naidu said. (With ANI inputs)

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2pm after uproar over JNU fee hike issue

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shiv-sena-chief-uddhav-thackeray-cancels-ayodhya-visit-due-to-security-concern-262854">Shiv Sena</a> on Tuesday hit out at former ally BJP for removing them from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and making their MPs sit in the opposition side in both houses of the Parliament.

On Sunday, Union parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi had said that Shiv Sena MPs are being allotted seats on the opposition side in both houses of Parliament after its lone minister Arvind Sawant in the Union council of ministers resigned and the party is "working out" alliance with the Congress and NCP to form a government in Maharashtra.

In its mouthpiece Saamna, Shiv Sena said, "BJP leader Pralhad Joshi has announced Shiv Sena's removal from the NDA after it allied with Congress and the NCP in Maharashtra to form the government in the state. The Shiv Sena MPs were allotted seats on the opposition side in both houses of parliament. Those in the BJP who took this decision do not know about work done by Shiv Sena."

"When the BJP came into existence no party used to support it. When NDA was formed many leaders who are now holding posts in the present government were not holding any posts then and some of them were not even born," the editorial said.

Shiv Sena said, "When NDA was formed then important decisions were taken only after meeting the alliance partners under the leadership of George Fernandes and Lal Krishna Advani. We ask who is the leader of the NDA now?"

The editorial further questioned whether or not the decision to remove the party from the NDA was taken in a meeting with the alliance partners?

"Whatever has happened it has exposed those who were against the Shiv Sena. These people took the occasion of the occasion of the death anniversary of Balasaheb Thackeray to made the announcement of the removal of Shiv Sena from the NDA," the opinion piece said.

"When the whole country was paying tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray who was one of the founders of NDA on that occasion these people removed Shiv Sena from NDA. The decision was taken without any discussion or correspondence through a letter," the party added.

BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths.

The Shiv Sena is now in parleys with the Congress and the NCP to form a government in the state.

The BJP won 105 seats in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/haryana-maharashtra-assembly-polls-bjp-becomes-a-victim-of-its-own-expectations-258258">288-member assembly</a> followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Shiv Sena on Tuesday hit out at former ally BJP for removing them from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and making their MPs sit in the opposition side in both houses of the Parliament.

Shiv Sena on Tuesday hit out at former ally BJP for removing them from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and making their MPs sit in the opposition side in both houses of the Parliament. On Sunday, Union parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi had said that Shiv Sena MPs are being allotted seats on the opposition side in both houses of Parliament after its lone minister Arvind Sawant in the Union council of ministers resigned and the party is "working out" alliance with the Congress and NCP to form a government in Maharashtra. In its mouthpiece Saamna, Shiv Sena said, "BJP leader Pralhad Joshi has announced Shiv Sena's removal from the NDA after it allied with Congress and the NCP in Maharashtra to form the government in the state. The Shiv Sena MPs were allotted seats on the opposition side in both houses of parliament. Those in the BJP who took this decision do not know about work done by Shiv Sena." "When the BJP came into existence no party used to support it. When NDA was formed many leaders who are now holding posts in the present government were not holding any posts then and some of them were not even born," the editorial said. Shiv Sena said, "When NDA was formed then important decisions were taken only after meeting the alliance partners under the leadership of George Fernandes and Lal Krishna Advani. We ask who is the leader of the NDA now?" The editorial further questioned whether or not the decision to remove the party from the NDA was taken in a meeting with the alliance partners? "Whatever has happened it has exposed those who were against the Shiv Sena. These people took the occasion of the occasion of the death anniversary of Balasaheb Thackeray to made the announcement of the removal of Shiv Sena from the NDA," the opinion piece said. "When the whole country was paying tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray who was one of the founders of NDA on that occasion these people removed Shiv Sena from NDA. The decision was taken without any discussion or correspondence through a letter," the party added. BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. The Shiv Sena is now in parleys with the Congress and the NCP to form a government in the state. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Shiv Sena hits out at BJP for making its MPs sit in opposition in Parliament

After days of 'severe' and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-pollution-air-quality-index-remains-in-very-poor-category-for-second-consecutive-day-262655">'very poor' air quality</a>, Delhi and its nearby areas witnessed a change with AQI improving to the 'poor' category in the morning on Tuesday.

According to SAFAR, this relief from toxic air is temporary as the wind speed is going to slow down from November 20. Due to this, the air quality is likely to plunge to the 'severe' category on Thursday (November 21).

"Pollutant accumulation leading to quick deterioration is predicted by November 20th and the probability of AQI touching the lower end of SEVERE category on 21st November is high," stated the organisation in its advisory.

Today, the overall <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-to-decide-extending-odd-even-if-air-quality-in-delhi-doesnt-improve-in-2-3-days-arvind-kejriwal-262285">air quality of Delhi</a> was recorded at 218, with PM 10 at 155 and PM 2.5 at 67. People of the city expressed happiness over the improved air quality. "The pollution levels have definitely come down. The air is much cleaner today," said a resident of the city.

The Center-run SAFAR has advised people 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.

After days of 'severe' and 'very poor' air quality, Delhi and its nearby areas witnessed a change with AQI improving to the 'poor' category in the morning on Tuesday.

After days of 'severe' and 'very poor' air quality, Delhi and its nearby areas witnessed a change with AQI improving to the 'poor' category in the morning on Tuesday. According to SAFAR, this relief from toxic air is temporary as the wind speed is going to slow down from November 20. Due to this, the air quality is likely to plunge to the 'severe' category on Thursday (November 21). "Pollutant accumulation leading to quick deterioration is predicted by November 20th and the probability of AQI touching the lower end of SEVERE category on 21st November is high," stated the organisation in its advisory. Today, the overall air quality of Delhi was recorded at 218, with PM 10 at 155 and PM 2.5 at 67. People of the city expressed happiness over the improved air quality. "The pollution levels have definitely come down. The air is much cleaner today," said a resident of the city. The Center-run SAFAR has advised people 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.

Air quality improves slightly in Delhi, SAFAR says relief temporary

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/brics-pm-narendra-modis-foreign-policy-pivot-262873">Narendra Modi</a> on Tuesday paid tributes to late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 102nd birth anniversary.

"Tributes to our former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on her birth anniversary," tweeted Prime Minister Modi.

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Tributes to our former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on her birth anniversary.
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Born on November 19, 1917, to India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru, Indira Gandhi served as the first and only woman prime minister of the country from January 1966 to March 1977 and again from January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 102nd birth anniversary. "Tributes to our former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on her birth anniversary," tweeted Prime Minister Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 102nd birth anniversary. "Tributes to our former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on her birth anniversary," tweeted Prime Minister Modi. Tributes to our former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on her birth anniversary. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 19, 2019 × Born on November 19, 1917, to India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru, Indira Gandhi served as the first and only woman prime minister of the country from January 1966 to March 1977 and again from January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984.

PM Modi pays tribute to Indira Gandhi on her 102nd birth anniversary

A meeting of Congress and NCP leaders is scheduled to be held on Wednesday evening in the national capital.

NCP leaders including party chief Sharad Pawar, Praful Patel, Ajit Pawar and Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge, Prithviraj Chavan, Ashok Chavan, amongst others will be present in the meeting.

On Monday, Sharad Pawar met Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi in the latter's residence here. However, the NCP leader said that they did not talk about government formation in Maharashtra.

Both parties contested the recently culminated assembly polls in alliance but could not reach the halfway figure in the 288-member Assembly.

Maharashtra came under President's Rule on November 9 after all parties failed to form the government in the state.

The BJP emerged as the single-largest party in Maharashtra assembly polls with 105 seats.

While Shiv Sena bagged 56 seats, NCP and Congress have 54 and 44 MLAs respectively in the state assembly.

A meeting of Congress and NCP leaders is scheduled to be held on Wednesday evening in the national capital. NCP leaders including party chief Sharad Pawar, Praful Patel, Ajit Pawar and Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge, Prithviraj Chavan, Ashok Chavan, amongst others will be present in the meeting.

A meeting of Congress and NCP leaders is scheduled to be held on Wednesday evening in the national capital. NCP leaders including party chief Sharad Pawar, Praful Patel, Ajit Pawar and Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge, Prithviraj Chavan, Ashok Chavan, amongst others will be present in the meeting. On Monday, Sharad Pawar met Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi in the latter's residence here. However, the NCP leader said that they did not talk about government formation in Maharashtra. Both parties contested the recently culminated assembly polls in alliance but could not reach the halfway figure in the 288-member Assembly. Maharashtra came under President's Rule on November 9 after all parties failed to form the government in the state. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party in Maharashtra assembly polls with 105 seats. While Shiv Sena bagged 56 seats, NCP and Congress have 54 and 44 MLAs respectively in the state assembly.

Meeting of Congress-NCP leaders tomorrow in Delhi

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday extended the day's proceedings of the Lower House of the Parliament by half-an-hour over the debate on air pollution.

The Lok Sabha Speaker today expressed displeasure over the absence of Parliament officers and staff during important discussions or sittings in the House. He has also issued a notice to them asking for a reply.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Gautam Gambhir said, "The topic of discussion is something that affects everyone irrespective of our caste, creed, age and religion. It's affecting us while we stand and talk about it in Parliament. It's high time we stop politicising this issue."

"The state is that of a climate emergency - Delhi is the worst affected. The state can no longer get away with gimmick like Odd-Even and banning construction sites. We need long term sustainable solutions and stop the blame game. It's time to own up and act responsibly," he added.

On the issue of stubble burning, Gambhir said, "We have to devise a strategy for representatives of various states to work together to solve this crisis. Merely penalizing farmers for burning their crops will not be enough. We have to start exploring innovative ways."

BJP MPs Ramesh Bidhuri and Hans Raj Hans did not attend the debate over air pollution in the Lok Sabha, while Union Minister and MP Harsh Vardhan was speaking in the Rajya Sabha on the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019.

During the debate, BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma slammed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and said that all that he has given to Delhi for free is pollution.

"For the last 4.5 years, the Delhi Chief Minister kept saying that the Prime Minister doesn't let him work, the Delhi Lieutenant Governor doesn't let him work. In the last six months everyone is letting him work, he is distributing everything for free," Verma said.

"Aaj jo usne (Delhi Chief Minister) Delhi ko diya hai ki 5 saal pehle akela Delhi Chief Minister khaasta tha, aaj poori Dilli khaas rahi hai. All he has given to Delhi for free is pollution," he added. 
After days of 'severe' and 'very poor' air quality, Delhi and its nearby areas witnessed a change with AQI improving to the 'poor' category on Tuesday.

Today, the overall air quality of Delhi was recorded at 218, with PM 10 at 155 and PM 2.5 at 67.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday extended the day's proceedings of the Lower House of the Parliament by half-an-hour over the debate on air pollution. The Lok Sabha Speaker today expressed displeasure over the absence of Parliament officers and staff during important discussions or sittings in the House.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday extended the day's proceedings of the Lower House of the Parliament by half-an-hour over the debate on air pollution. The Lok Sabha Speaker today expressed displeasure over the absence of Parliament officers and staff during important discussions or sittings in the House. He has also issued a notice to them asking for a reply. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Gautam Gambhir said, "The topic of discussion is something that affects everyone irrespective of our caste, creed, age and religion. It's affecting us while we stand and talk about it in Parliament. It's high time we stop politicising this issue." "The state is that of a climate emergency - Delhi is the worst affected. The state can no longer get away with gimmick like Odd-Even and banning construction sites. We need long term sustainable solutions and stop the blame game. It's time to own up and act responsibly," he added. On the issue of stubble burning, Gambhir said, "We have to devise a strategy for representatives of various states to work together to solve this crisis. Merely penalizing farmers for burning their crops will not be enough. We have to start exploring innovative ways." BJP MPs Ramesh Bidhuri and Hans Raj Hans did not attend the debate over air pollution in the Lok Sabha, while Union Minister and MP Harsh Vardhan was speaking in the Rajya Sabha on the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019. During the debate, BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma slammed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and said that all that he has given to Delhi for free is pollution. "For the last 4.5 years, the Delhi Chief Minister kept saying that the Prime Minister doesn't let him work, the Delhi Lieutenant Governor doesn't let him work. In the last six months everyone is letting him work, he is distributing everything for free," Verma said. "Aaj jo usne (Delhi Chief Minister) Delhi ko diya hai ki 5 saal pehle akela Delhi Chief Minister khaasta tha, aaj poori Dilli khaas rahi hai. All he has given to Delhi for free is pollution," he added. After days of 'severe' and 'very poor' air quality, Delhi and its nearby areas witnessed a change with AQI improving to the 'poor' category on Tuesday. Today, the overall air quality of Delhi was recorded at 218, with PM 10 at 155 and PM 2.5 at 67.

Lok Sabha extended for half-an-hour over air pollution debate

Asserting that the air quality of the national capital and other cities has worsened beyond all norms, President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday said hydrocarbon energy has changed the world's face in the last couple of centuries and now it is threatening 'our very existence'.

Speaking at the conference of IITs, NITs and IIEST, Shibpur hosted by Rashtrapati Bhavan, Kovind said, "This is that time of the year when the air quality of the national capital as well as of many other cities worsens beyond all norms. We are facing a kind of challenge here that we have never faced before. Hydrocarbon energy changed the face of the world in the last couple of centuries, but now it is threatening our very existence. The challenge is compounded for nations battling to bring substantial sections of populations out of poverty. Yet, we will have to find alternatives."

The President said that many scientists and futurologists have painted doomsday scenarios. "On days of smog and poor visibility in our cities, we fear the future might already be here."

He expressed confidence that institutions like IITs, NITs with their various specialisations, would take care to create a sensitivity and awareness among students and researchers towards our common future.

"Our government has made focused efforts to improve India's ranking on the Ease of Doing Business Index, and now it aims to improve the Ease of Living for all citizens."

This Conference is part of regular interactions of the President with such institutions in his capacity as a visitor to 152 Central Universities and institutions of higher learning.

Apart from the Directors of 23 IITs, 31 NITs and IIEST, it was also attended by the Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Secretary (Higher Education), Secretary, Department of Science and Technology and Chairman AICTE.&nbsp;

Asserting that the air quality of the national capital and other cities has worsened beyond all norms, President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday said hydrocarbon energy has changed the world's face in the last couple of centuries and now it is threatening 'our very existence'.

Asserting that the air quality of the national capital and other cities has worsened beyond all norms, President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday said hydrocarbon energy has changed the world's face in the last couple of centuries and now it is threatening 'our very existence'. Speaking at the conference of IITs, NITs and IIEST, Shibpur hosted by Rashtrapati Bhavan, Kovind said, "This is that time of the year when the air quality of the national capital as well as of many other cities worsens beyond all norms. We are facing a kind of challenge here that we have never faced before. Hydrocarbon energy changed the face of the world in the last couple of centuries, but now it is threatening our very existence. The challenge is compounded for nations battling to bring substantial sections of populations out of poverty. Yet, we will have to find alternatives." The President said that many scientists and futurologists have painted doomsday scenarios. "On days of smog and poor visibility in our cities, we fear the future might already be here." He expressed confidence that institutions like IITs, NITs with their various specialisations, would take care to create a sensitivity and awareness among students and researchers towards our common future. "Our government has made focused efforts to improve India's ranking on the Ease of Doing Business Index, and now it aims to improve the Ease of Living for all citizens." This Conference is part of regular interactions of the President with such institutions in his capacity as a visitor to 152 Central Universities and institutions of higher learning. Apart from the Directors of 23 IITs, 31 NITs and IIEST, it was also attended by the Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Secretary (Higher Education), Secretary, Department of Science and Technology and Chairman AICTE.

Air quality of national capital has worsened beyond all norms: President Kovind

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) leader Kamal Haasan on Tuesday said that if needed he and his friend of over four decades, southern superstar Rajinikanth can "come together for the development of Tamil Nadu".

"Our friendship is continuing for the last 44 years. If needed we can come together for the development of Tamil Nadu," Haasan said while speaking to reporters.

Similar views were also echoed by his long-time friend and colleague from the film fraternity, Rajinikanth who stated that he is ready to come together with Haasan for the benefit of people.

"For the benefit of the people if there is a situation to form an alliance with Kamal Haasan, we will definitely come together," Rajinikanth said.

Earlier on November 8, Hasan had said that he and Rajinikanth have differing political views, yet they will always respect each other.

"Both of us (Rajinikanth and Haasan), at a point in time, decided that we'll respect each other as we believed that the future was going to be good for both of us. Today, we continue to respect, criticize and endorse each other," Haasan said speaking at an event held at his production house in Chennai.

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) leader Kamal Haasan on Tuesday said that if needed he and his friend of over four decades, southern superstar Rajinikanth can "come together for the development of Tamil Nadu".

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) leader Kamal Haasan on Tuesday said that if needed he and his friend of over four decades, southern superstar Rajinikanth can "come together for the development of Tamil Nadu". "Our friendship is continuing for the last 44 years. If needed we can come together for the development of Tamil Nadu," Haasan said while speaking to reporters. Similar views were also echoed by his long-time friend and colleague from the film fraternity, Rajinikanth who stated that he is ready to come together with Haasan for the benefit of people. "For the benefit of the people if there is a situation to form an alliance with Kamal Haasan, we will definitely come together," Rajinikanth said. Earlier on November 8, Hasan had said that he and Rajinikanth have differing political views, yet they will always respect each other. "Both of us (Rajinikanth and Haasan), at a point in time, decided that we'll respect each other as we believed that the future was going to be good for both of us. Today, we continue to respect, criticize and endorse each other," Haasan said speaking at an event held at his production house in Chennai.

Open for alliance with Rajinikanth for 'development of Tamil Nadu', says Kamal Haasan

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has pulled up officials including three municipal commissioners, DDA Vice Chairman and CEO of Delhi Jal Board who were not present at the meeting of Parliament's standing committee on Urban Development on Friday which was called over Delhi air pollution.

Sources said the officials met the Speaker where they were asked about their absence.

A meeting of the Standing Committee on Urban Development has now been scheduled for Wednesday. It will discuss 'Role of Municipal Corporations of Delhi, DDA, NDMC, CPWD and NBCC in reducing air pollution in Delhi'. The committee is headed by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal.

Pal had written to the Speaker demanding strict action against the erring officials.

He had sought necessary and stringent action against the officials who did not attend the meeting last week, sources said.

The letter had mentioned the erring officials by name, including C K Mishra, secretary Environment, Forest and Climate Change, three municipal corporation commissioners -- Varsha Joshi, commissioner NDMC, Dilraj Kaur, commissioner EDMC, Gyanesh Bharti, commissioner SDMC and Nikhil Kumar, CEO Delhi Jal Board.

The letter had also mentioned the name of Tarun Kapoor, DDA vice-chairman.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had on Friday said that the Joint Secretary was not able to attend the meeting over air quality as she had to appear for an 'important matter' in the Supreme Court on the same day. Ministry in an official response release had also asserted that it was represented by Deputy Secretary.

The air quality in the national capital had reached severe and hazardous levels before a slight improvement due to wind conditions.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has pulled up officials including three municipal commissioners, DDA Vice Chairman and CEO of Delhi Jal Board who were not present at the meeting of Parliament's standing committee on Urban Development on Friday which was called over Delhi air pollution.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has pulled up officials including three municipal commissioners, DDA Vice Chairman and CEO of Delhi Jal Board who were not present at the meeting of Parliament's standing committee on Urban Development on Friday which was called over Delhi air pollution. Sources said the officials met the Speaker where they were asked about their absence. A meeting of the Standing Committee on Urban Development has now been scheduled for Wednesday. It will discuss 'Role of Municipal Corporations of Delhi, DDA, NDMC, CPWD and NBCC in reducing air pollution in Delhi'. The committee is headed by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal. Pal had written to the Speaker demanding strict action against the erring officials. He had sought necessary and stringent action against the officials who did not attend the meeting last week, sources said. The letter had mentioned the erring officials by name, including C K Mishra, secretary Environment, Forest and Climate Change, three municipal corporation commissioners -- Varsha Joshi, commissioner NDMC, Dilraj Kaur, commissioner EDMC, Gyanesh Bharti, commissioner SDMC and Nikhil Kumar, CEO Delhi Jal Board. The letter had also mentioned the name of Tarun Kapoor, DDA vice-chairman. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had on Friday said that the Joint Secretary was not able to attend the meeting over air quality as she had to appear for an 'important matter' in the Supreme Court on the same day. Ministry in an official response release had also asserted that it was represented by Deputy Secretary. The air quality in the national capital had reached severe and hazardous levels before a slight improvement due to wind conditions.

Lok Sabha speaker pulls up officials for absence at parliamentary panel meeting on pollution

Central government on Tuesday informed Lok Sabha on that it has issued advisories to state and UTs to take measures to curb incidents of mob lynching in the country.

In reply to CPI MPs K Subbarayan and M Selvaraj's questions, the Ministry of Home Affairs told the House that it has sensitised people through audiovisual media to check false news and rumours that could incite mob violence on the Supreme Court's directions.

The Supreme Court, in July 2018, passed a slew of directions for the Centre and states to curb incident of mob lynching in the country. The court had also recommended that Parliament enacts a separate law to check and punish the perpetrators of such crimes.

"In pursuance to the Hon'ble Supreme Court's Judgment dated 17.07.2018, advisories dated 23.07.2018 and 25.09.2018 were issued to the State Governments and Union Territory

Administrations for taking measures to curb incidents of mob lynching in the country. The Government through audio-visual media has also generated public awareness to curb the menace of mob lynching," the answer read.

It further said, "The government has also sensitised the service providers to take steps to check the propagation of false news and rumours having potential to incite the mob 
violence and lynching."

The government also informed Lok Sabha that Rajasthan and Manipur have passed bills to check the crime that are "reserved by the Governor for consideration of the President". 
Several people have been killed in different incidents of mob lynching in many states over the years.

Central government on Tuesday informed Lok Sabha on that it has issued advisories to state and UTs to take measures to curb incidents of mob lynching in the country.

Central government on Tuesday informed Lok Sabha on that it has issued advisories to state and UTs to take measures to curb incidents of mob lynching in the country. In reply to CPI MPs K Subbarayan and M Selvaraj's questions, the Ministry of Home Affairs told the House that it has sensitised people through audiovisual media to check false news and rumours that could incite mob violence on the Supreme Court's directions. The Supreme Court, in July 2018, passed a slew of directions for the Centre and states to curb incident of mob lynching in the country. The court had also recommended that Parliament enacts a separate law to check and punish the perpetrators of such crimes. "In pursuance to the Hon'ble Supreme Court's Judgment dated 17.07.2018, advisories dated 23.07.2018 and 25.09.2018 were issued to the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for taking measures to curb incidents of mob lynching in the country. The Government through audio-visual media has also generated public awareness to curb the menace of mob lynching," the answer read. It further said, "The government has also sensitised the service providers to take steps to check the propagation of false news and rumours having potential to incite the mob violence and lynching." The government also informed Lok Sabha that Rajasthan and Manipur have passed bills to check the crime that are "reserved by the Governor for consideration of the President". Several people have been killed in different incidents of mob lynching in many states over the years.

Issued advisories to state, UTs to take measures to curb mob lynching: Centre informs Lok Sabha

Four soldiers and two civilian porters killed on Monday when an avalanche hit Indian Army positions at Siachen Glacier's northern sector.

According to preliminary information, the avalanche struck the camp located in the northern Siachen Glacier, at a height of 18,000 feet at around 3.30 pm and eight personnel were trapped under the snow.&nbsp;

According to the officials, despite best efforts, six persons — four soldiers and two civilian porters — succumbed to extreme hypothermia.

The incident highlights the severe dangers that soldiers face in manning the inhospitable terrain at heights of 18,875 ft in intense climate conditions on the world’s highest battlefield.

In 2016, ten soldiers, including nine jawans of the Indian Army's 19 Madras battalion and one junior commissioned officer (JCO), were killed after an avalanche came crashing down on their post situated at 19,600 feet on the Actual Ground Position Line, which is India's border with Pakistan at Siachen.

Around 900 soldiers have lost their lives due to bad climatic conditions in Siachen Glacier since the 1980s.

(With inputs from agencies)

Four soldiers and two civilian porters killed on Monday when an avalanche hit Indian Army positions at Siachen Glacier's northern sector. According to preliminary information, the avalanche struck the camp located in the northern Siachen Glacier, at a height of 18,000 feet at around 3.

Four soldiers and two civilian porters killed on Monday when an avalanche hit Indian Army positions at Siachen Glacier's northern sector. According to preliminary information, the avalanche struck the camp located in the northern Siachen Glacier, at a height of 18,000 feet at around 3.30 pm and eight personnel were trapped under the snow. According to the officials, despite best efforts, six persons — four soldiers and two civilian porters — succumbed to extreme hypothermia. The incident highlights the severe dangers that soldiers face in manning the inhospitable terrain at heights of 18,875 ft in intense climate conditions on the world’s highest battlefield. In 2016, ten soldiers, including nine jawans of the Indian Army's 19 Madras battalion and one junior commissioned officer (JCO), were killed after an avalanche came crashing down on their post situated at 19,600 feet on the Actual Ground Position Line, which is India's border with Pakistan at Siachen. Around 900 soldiers have lost their lives due to bad climatic conditions in Siachen Glacier since the 1980s. (With inputs from agencies)

Four soldiers and two porters killed as avalanche hits Indian Army positions in Siachen Glacier

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday.

Jaishankar made the announcement after meeting Rajapaksa in Sri Lanka, a day after the latter took oath as the seventh President of the island nation.

"A warm meeting with Sri Lanka President @GotabayaR. Conveyed PM @narendramodi's message of a partnership for shared peace, progress, prosperity and security. Confident that under his leadership, India-SriLanka relations would reach greater heights," Jaishankar Tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A warm meeting with Sri Lanka President <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GotabayaR</a>. Conveyed PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>’s message of a partnership for shared peace, progress, prosperity &amp; security. Confident that under his leadership, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaSriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaSriLanka</a> relations would reach greater heights. <a href="https://t.co/pDxZf0ZM3A">pic.twitter.com/pDxZf0ZM3A</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1196789834536423425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"President @GotabayaR has accepted PM @narendramodi's invitation to visit India on 29th November," he added.

Rajapaksa, 70-year old, defeated Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently concluded Presidential elections, country's election commission announced on Sunday.

He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president. His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa was president from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday. Jaishankar made the announcement after meeting Rajapaksa in Sri Lanka, a day after the latter took oath as the seventh President of the island nation. "A warm meeting with Sri Lanka President @GotabayaR. Conveyed PM @narendramodi's message of a partnership for shared peace, progress, prosperity and security. Confident that under his leadership, India-SriLanka relations would reach greater heights," Jaishankar Tweeted. A warm meeting with Sri Lanka President @GotabayaR. Conveyed PM @narendramodi’s message of a partnership for shared peace, progress, prosperity & security. Confident that under his leadership, #IndiaSriLanka relations would reach greater heights. pic.twitter.com/pDxZf0ZM3A — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 19, 2019 × "President @GotabayaR has accepted PM @narendramodi's invitation to visit India on 29th November," he added. Rajapaksa, 70-year old, defeated Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently concluded Presidential elections, country's election commission announced on Sunday. He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president. His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa was president from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka's newly-elected President accepts PM Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29

&nbsp;India's state-run banks reported fraud worth 958 billion rupees ($13.3 billion) from April to end-September of this year, the country's finance minister said on Tuesday, as the government struggles to help banks recoup losses.

State banks reported 5,743 cases of fraud in the period, most of which had taken place over the last several years, although 1,000 cases worth 25 billion rupees had just taken place, Nirmala Sitharaman told the upper house of parliament.

"Government has taken comprehensive measures to curb the incidence of fraud in banks," the minister said.

Measures included the freezing of 338,000 bank accounts of inoperative companies in the last two financial years and the enactment of a law with a provision to confiscate the property of those found to have committed fraud and who have fled the country.

State Bank of India reported fraud of 254 billion rupees followed by Punjab National Bank of 108 billion rupees and Bank of Baroda of 83 billion rupees, she said.

Bankers have blamed lax regulations and said some bank officials were working in league with fraudsters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a tough bankruptcy and insolvency law in 2016, and fugitive economic offenders law aiming to help banks recover losses from fraud amounting to near $140 billion.

Punjab National Bank, India's second-biggest state-run bank, reported more than $2 billion losses through fraud last year alleging that a few rogue employees had issued fake bank guarantees over several years to help jewellery groups raise funds in foreign credit.

India's state-run banks reported fraud worth 958 billion rupees ($13.3 billion) from April to end-September of this year, the country's finance minister said on Tuesday, as the government struggles to help banks recoup losses.

India's state-run banks reported fraud worth 958 billion rupees ($13.3 billion) from April to end-September of this year, the country's finance minister said on Tuesday, as the government struggles to help banks recoup losses. State banks reported 5,743 cases of fraud in the period, most of which had taken place over the last several years, although 1,000 cases worth 25 billion rupees had just taken place, Nirmala Sitharaman told the upper house of parliament. "Government has taken comprehensive measures to curb the incidence of fraud in banks," the minister said. Measures included the freezing of 338,000 bank accounts of inoperative companies in the last two financial years and the enactment of a law with a provision to confiscate the property of those found to have committed fraud and who have fled the country. State Bank of India reported fraud of 254 billion rupees followed by Punjab National Bank of 108 billion rupees and Bank of Baroda of 83 billion rupees, she said. Bankers have blamed lax regulations and said some bank officials were working in league with fraudsters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a tough bankruptcy and insolvency law in 2016, and fugitive economic offenders law aiming to help banks recover losses from fraud amounting to near $140 billion. Punjab National Bank, India's second-biggest state-run bank, reported more than $2 billion losses through fraud last year alleging that a few rogue employees had issued fake bank guarantees over several years to help jewellery groups raise funds in foreign credit.

India's state-run banks report frauds of more than $13 billion in six months: Finance minister

The Company Law Committee submitted a report on steps needed to be taken to further decriminalise the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The report was presented to the Union Minister by Injeti Srinivas, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the chairman of the Committee on Monday.

The Committee was constituted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in September 2019 "to decriminalise the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 based on their gravity and to take other concomitant measures to provide further Ease of Living for corporates in the country."

"The Committee took note of the progress made consequent to the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2019, which had resulted in de-criminalisation of 16 minor procedural or technical lapses under the Companies Act, 2013 into 'civil wrongs', and adopted a principle-based approach to further remove criminality, in case of defaults which can be determined objectively and which, otherwise, lack the element of fraud or do not involve larger public interest," according to a release by the PIB on Monday.

"The Committee has proposed amendments in 46 penal provisions, so as to either remove criminality, or to restrict the punishment to only fine, or to allow rectification of defaults through alternative methods, which would lead to further de-clogging of the criminal justice system in the country," the release added.

In the report, the committee has also made recommendations aimed at providing further ease of living for law-abiding corporates, which include the power to exclude a certain class of companies from the definition of 'listed company', mainly for the listing of debt securities, in consultation with SEBI, among others.

The Company Law Committee submitted a report on steps needed to be taken to further decriminalise the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The Company Law Committee submitted a report on steps needed to be taken to further decriminalise the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The report was presented to the Union Minister by Injeti Srinivas, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the chairman of the Committee on Monday. The Committee was constituted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in September 2019 "to decriminalise the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 based on their gravity and to take other concomitant measures to provide further Ease of Living for corporates in the country." "The Committee took note of the progress made consequent to the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2019, which had resulted in de-criminalisation of 16 minor procedural or technical lapses under the Companies Act, 2013 into 'civil wrongs', and adopted a principle-based approach to further remove criminality, in case of defaults which can be determined objectively and which, otherwise, lack the element of fraud or do not involve larger public interest," according to a release by the PIB on Monday. "The Committee has proposed amendments in 46 penal provisions, so as to either remove criminality, or to restrict the punishment to only fine, or to allow rectification of defaults through alternative methods, which would lead to further de-clogging of the criminal justice system in the country," the release added. In the report, the committee has also made recommendations aimed at providing further ease of living for law-abiding corporates, which include the power to exclude a certain class of companies from the definition of 'listed company', mainly for the listing of debt securities, in consultation with SEBI, among others.

Company Law Committee bats to decriminalising provisions of Company Act 

Jharkhand is the third state going for assembly polls after the Narendra Modi government came to power for its consecutive second term.

The voting will be held in five phases, with the first on November 30 and the last on December 20. Results will be declared on December 23.

It is a state where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did very well in both 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In 2019 Lok Sabha elections BJP secured more than 51 per cent votes. Congress polled 15 per cent and the third-largest party was Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) with 11 per cent of votes.&nbsp;

Despite the humongous sweep, BJP is facing anti-incumbency in the state elections. The mood in Opposition is also buoyant post-Maharashtra and Haryana assembly elections where despite the absence of national leadership, Congress was able to hold forth.&nbsp;

WION caught up with former Union Minister of Home and Congress General Secretary in charge of Jharkhand RPN Singh. 
&nbsp; 
WION: How do you see Congress doing in Jharkhand in wake of surprise results in Maharashtra and Haryana?

RPN Singh: Maharashtra and Haryana elections were indicators of the fact that voters behave differently in the Assembly elections where&nbsp;local and immediate issues count.&nbsp;

Voters expressed displeasure in BJP’s leadership and it is for this reason that in both the states BJP did not get numbers on its own.&nbsp;

Real issues like jobs, agrarian distress and the economic slide have not been addressed and it is for this reason BJP’s performance was below par in both the states. 
&nbsp; 
WION: How is your alliance with JMM doing?

RPN Singh: We are committed to our alliance. We also announced our alliance on November 8. BJP’s house is not in order in Jharkhand. They don’t have friends in the state. 
&nbsp; 
WION: What are the issues in the state?

RPN Singh: Corruption is an issue in Jharkhand. Joblessness is an issue in the state. BJP has given tickets to corrupt candidates. Politicians with criminal records have been accommodated by BJP.

These issues are striking a chord with the voters. Under BJP, governance took a hit. BJP is not sitting comfortably. Yes, they did very well in both 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls but assembly results were different. BJP in 2014 could not get a simple majority. They are in power with the help of regional players.

To say that 2019 Lok Sabha results will translate into assembly victory is getting the election completely wrong. Elections in Jharkhand would be fought seat by seat and phase by phase. It is a big and complex state where various regional factors are important.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: Why is Congress so confident? Your own Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president left the Party?

RPN Singh: People come and go. It does not make a difference to the party. Fortune of the party ultimately depends on the workers. Till workers remains, party does well.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: Will Ayodhya verdict impact Jharkhand elections?

RPN Singh: Congress respects the judgement of the Supreme Court. BJP will try to divert attention from the real issues, but it will not impact the elections. Elections in Jharkhand are being fought on the issue of governance and corruption.

Jharkhand is the third state going for assembly polls after the Narendra Modi government came to power for its consecutive second term. The voting will be held in five phases, with the first on November 30 and the last on December 20.

Jharkhand is the third state going for assembly polls after the Narendra Modi government came to power for its consecutive second term. The voting will be held in five phases, with the first on November 30 and the last on December 20. Results will be declared on December 23. It is a state where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did very well in both 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In 2019 Lok Sabha elections BJP secured more than 51 per cent votes. Congress polled 15 per cent and the third-largest party was Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) with 11 per cent of votes. Despite the humongous sweep, BJP is facing anti-incumbency in the state elections. The mood in Opposition is also buoyant post-Maharashtra and Haryana assembly elections where despite the absence of national leadership, Congress was able to hold forth. WION caught up with former Union Minister of Home and Congress General Secretary in charge of Jharkhand RPN Singh. WION: How do you see Congress doing in Jharkhand in wake of surprise results in Maharashtra and Haryana? RPN Singh: Maharashtra and Haryana elections were indicators of the fact that voters behave differently in the Assembly elections where local and immediate issues count. Voters expressed displeasure in BJP’s leadership and it is for this reason that in both the states BJP did not get numbers on its own. Real issues like jobs, agrarian distress and the economic slide have not been addressed and it is for this reason BJP’s performance was below par in both the states. WION: How is your alliance with JMM doing? RPN Singh: We are committed to our alliance. We also announced our alliance on November 8. BJP’s house is not in order in Jharkhand. They don’t have friends in the state. WION: What are the issues in the state? RPN Singh: Corruption is an issue in Jharkhand. Joblessness is an issue in the state. BJP has given tickets to corrupt candidates. Politicians with criminal records have been accommodated by BJP. These issues are striking a chord with the voters. Under BJP, governance took a hit. BJP is not sitting comfortably. Yes, they did very well in both 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls but assembly results were different. BJP in 2014 could not get a simple majority. They are in power with the help of regional players. To say that 2019 Lok Sabha results will translate into assembly victory is getting the election completely wrong. Elections in Jharkhand would be fought seat by seat and phase by phase. It is a big and complex state where various regional factors are important. WION: Why is Congress so confident? Your own Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president left the Party? RPN Singh: People come and go. It does not make a difference to the party. Fortune of the party ultimately depends on the workers. Till workers remains, party does well. WION: Will Ayodhya verdict impact Jharkhand elections? RPN Singh: Congress respects the judgement of the Supreme Court. BJP will try to divert attention from the real issues, but it will not impact the elections. Elections in Jharkhand are being fought on the issue of governance and corruption.

People come and go, it does not make difference to the Congress: RPN Singh

Jharkhand election is being fought on local issues: RPN Singh

Pakistan has halted release and repatriation of five Indians nationals and many Indian fishermen who have completed their sentence and waiting to be sent back.

According to list exchanged on July 1, Pakistan has 209 Indian fishermen and 52 Indian prisoners in its custody while India has 256 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 99 fishermen in its custody.

India and Pakistan exchange list of civilian prisoners and fishermen of each country lodged in the jails of each other on January 1 and July 1 every year, according to India-Pakistan ‘Agreement on Consular Access’ signed on May 21, 2008.

In fact, on August 5, when India announced abrogation of the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had halted repatriation at Attari border of two Indians who were about to be sent back. WION had first reported about it on August 7.

To resolve humanitarian issues related to elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners in each other’s custody and consider their early release and repatriation, India in October, 2017 had suggested to Pakistan to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee.&nbsp;

New Delhi had also said a team of Indian medical experts could be allowed to visit the mentally unsound prisoners in Pakistan with a view to facilitating their nationality verification and subsequent repatriation.

While India did share the details of the medical experts' team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee with Pakistan with the request to organise their visit, Islamabad has not responded so far.

In its first term, the Modi government was able to secure the release of 1,749 Indian prisoners, including 1,725 fishermen along with 57 boats.

Pakistan has halted release and repatriation of five Indians nationals and many Indian fishermen who have completed their sentence and waiting to be sent back. According to list exchanged on July 1, Pakistan has 209 Indian fishermen and 52 Indian prisoners in its custody while India has 256 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 99 fishermen in its custody.

Pakistan has halted release and repatriation of five Indians nationals and many Indian fishermen who have completed their sentence and waiting to be sent back. According to list exchanged on July 1, Pakistan has 209 Indian fishermen and 52 Indian prisoners in its custody while India has 256 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 99 fishermen in its custody. India and Pakistan exchange list of civilian prisoners and fishermen of each country lodged in the jails of each other on January 1 and July 1 every year, according to India-Pakistan ‘Agreement on Consular Access’ signed on May 21, 2008. In fact, on August 5, when India announced abrogation of the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had halted repatriation at Attari border of two Indians who were about to be sent back. WION had first reported about it on August 7. To resolve humanitarian issues related to elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners in each other’s custody and consider their early release and repatriation, India in October, 2017 had suggested to Pakistan to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee. New Delhi had also said a team of Indian medical experts could be allowed to visit the mentally unsound prisoners in Pakistan with a view to facilitating their nationality verification and subsequent repatriation. While India did share the details of the medical experts' team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee with Pakistan with the request to organise their visit, Islamabad has not responded so far. In its first term, the Modi government was able to secure the release of 1,749 Indian prisoners, including 1,725 fishermen along with 57 boats.

Article 370 abrogation: Pakistan halts repatriation of Indian nationals in its custody

Ashok Tanwar and Ajoy Kumar were only interested in tickets for their family

India.com has won the Gold Award for its election coverage in the category of 'Best Content in a News Blog/Website' in the ICL 2019 - India Content Leadership Awards and Conference.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2019, India.com dedicated a special section to ensure comprehensive election coverage including all election-related news, views and analysis. While words like 'elections', 'vote share', 'seat share' tend to complicate things for readers, India.com (https://www.india.com) took a novel approach of presenting things in an altogether different manner. A minefield of data which won't overwhelm its readers - this was India.com's election website. (https://www.india.com/lok-sabha-election-2019/)&nbsp;

Not just this election, data of all past elections were presented in an easy-to-navigate way, which was also easy on the eyes. Instead of depending on agency reports, all data presented on this election site were verified with that of the Election Commission.

Zee Group's CEO, Digital Publishing, Rohit Chadda said, "Our vision for India.com is to make it the one-stop destination for anything and everything about India - be it news, lifestyle, travel or entertainment. Being the largest democracy in the World, politics and elections are an important part of India and hence India.com. The award is a testament to our commitment to serve the best content to Indians as well Indophiles across the globe."

One major attraction of India.com's election site was its interactive campaign tracker. Elections in India (https://www.india.com/news/india/) present a grand affair. Often it becomes difficult to keep track of everything. The poll-tracker, in a unique way, took the readers on an entire campaign trail in a few clicks. Along with the leaders, the readers too were allowed on a virtual campaign tour. Not only which leader campaigned where - a concise wrap-up of what he/she said was added so that nothing gets lost in the crowd of election information.

Expressing her gratitude to all edit staff, which includes young and energetic journalists, for the award-winning work, India.com News Editor Ruchi Dua said, "Instead of making data analysis a complex exercise, we gave direct information to our readers. In fact, to break the nerdy monotony of most election sites, India.com conceived a funny IQ test which became a major takeaway of the website. It was a fun game to test the general knowledge of the readers about politics, political parties and leaders. This award proves that India.com provides the best user experience on any election to its users."

The infographics and the video section were there to aid in the understanding of the poll issues, not to cram the brain of the readers.

"While we aspired to stand out for our election coverage, the key driver for us was rich media storytelling. In addition to quick turnaround with news updates, we added a list of new formats such as infographics, elections timeline dating back to 1952, election rally tracker and a hangman-style trivia game. This cumulative approach for our election coverage meant engagement levels were far higher on election results day," said India.com AVP Product Dileep Venkatkrishna.

India.com, one of the leading news and information websites from the Zee Digital, keeps its readers informed on latest national, international developments in politics, education, infotainment and policies. True to its domain name, &nbsp;India.com, voices what matters to people the most.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India.com has won the Gold Award for its election coverage in the category of 'Best Content in a News Blog/Website' in the ICL 2019 - India Content Leadership Awards and Conference.

India.com has won the Gold Award for its election coverage in the category of 'Best Content in a News Blog/Website' in the ICL 2019 - India Content Leadership Awards and Conference. Ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2019, India.com dedicated a special section to ensure comprehensive election coverage including all election-related news, views and analysis. While words like 'elections', 'vote share', 'seat share' tend to complicate things for readers, India.com (https://www.india.com) took a novel approach of presenting things in an altogether different manner. A minefield of data which won't overwhelm its readers - this was India.com's election website. (https://www.india.com/lok-sabha-election-2019/) Not just this election, data of all past elections were presented in an easy-to-navigate way, which was also easy on the eyes. Instead of depending on agency reports, all data presented on this election site were verified with that of the Election Commission. Zee Group's CEO, Digital Publishing, Rohit Chadda said, "Our vision for India.com is to make it the one-stop destination for anything and everything about India - be it news, lifestyle, travel or entertainment. Being the largest democracy in the World, politics and elections are an important part of India and hence India.com. The award is a testament to our commitment to serve the best content to Indians as well Indophiles across the globe." One major attraction of India.com's election site was its interactive campaign tracker. Elections in India (https://www.india.com/news/india/) present a grand affair. Often it becomes difficult to keep track of everything. The poll-tracker, in a unique way, took the readers on an entire campaign trail in a few clicks. Along with the leaders, the readers too were allowed on a virtual campaign tour. Not only which leader campaigned where - a concise wrap-up of what he/she said was added so that nothing gets lost in the crowd of election information. Expressing her gratitude to all edit staff, which includes young and energetic journalists, for the award-winning work, India.com News Editor Ruchi Dua said, "Instead of making data analysis a complex exercise, we gave direct information to our readers. In fact, to break the nerdy monotony of most election sites, India.com conceived a funny IQ test which became a major takeaway of the website. It was a fun game to test the general knowledge of the readers about politics, political parties and leaders. This award proves that India.com provides the best user experience on any election to its users." The infographics and the video section were there to aid in the understanding of the poll issues, not to cram the brain of the readers. "While we aspired to stand out for our election coverage, the key driver for us was rich media storytelling. In addition to quick turnaround with news updates, we added a list of new formats such as infographics, elections timeline dating back to 1952, election rally tracker and a hangman-style trivia game. This cumulative approach for our election coverage meant engagement levels were far higher on election results day," said India.com AVP Product Dileep Venkatkrishna. India.com, one of the leading news and information websites from the Zee Digital, keeps its readers informed on latest national, international developments in politics, education, infotainment and policies. True to its domain name, India.com, voices what matters to people the most.

India.com wins Gold Award for election coverage

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has departed for London for medical treatment.

Nawaz sharif’s brother Shahbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan are travelling with him to London.

Last week, &nbsp;the Lahore court had conditionally allowed Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment.

Nawaz Sharif has been allowed to leave Pakistan only for 4 weeks on medical grounds.

Before leaving, Nawaz's lawyers had to submit an undertaking that Nawaz would return to Pakistan if he is allowed to go abroad for treatment.&nbsp;

The undertaking was signed by Nawaz's brother Shahbaz Sharif.

Nawaz Sharif is in the exit control list. Thus is not be allowed to leave the country without submitting a security bond.&nbsp;

The former Pakistani PM was jailed on corruption charges and faces trial on several other counts, too.

He was granted bail for eight weeks in the sugar mills case and the graft case against him was suspended on medical grounds.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has departed for London for medical treatment. Nawaz sharif’s brother Shahbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan are travelling with him to London.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has departed for London for medical treatment. Nawaz sharif’s brother Shahbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan are travelling with him to London. Last week, the Lahore court had conditionally allowed Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment. Nawaz Sharif has been allowed to leave Pakistan only for 4 weeks on medical grounds. Before leaving, Nawaz's lawyers had to submit an undertaking that Nawaz would return to Pakistan if he is allowed to go abroad for treatment. The undertaking was signed by Nawaz's brother Shahbaz Sharif. Nawaz Sharif is in the exit control list. Thus is not be allowed to leave the country without submitting a security bond. The former Pakistani PM was jailed on corruption charges and faces trial on several other counts, too. He was granted bail for eight weeks in the sugar mills case and the graft case against him was suspended on medical grounds.

Nawaz Sharif leaves for London for medical treatment

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