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Pakistan has been whipping up <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/article-370-abrogation-in-jammu-and-kashmir-puts-pakistan-in-a-tight-spot-242885">hysteria over Kashmir </a>ever since the Indian government revoked the special status of the state.

There are reports of Pakistan moving more aircraft and troops to its forward bases close to Ladakh near the LoC.

The two armies have clashed four times in the past seventy years.&nbsp;

At the present situation, there is a red line somewhere, notional of course, which, if crossed, could lead to the war.&nbsp;

Here is how their militaries stack up.

In the latest report released by Global Firepower&nbsp;ranking, there is absolutely no match between the military might of India and Pakistan.

While India is only behind the US, Russia and China in terms of the overall power index Pakistan is far behind on the 17th position.

<img alt="India-Pakistan war" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9d7e283-6628-4208-946e-28c619419310" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/INDIA%20PAK.JPG" />

On every parameter, be it land, air or sea, Pakistan languishes far behind India's military power.

Pakistan barely has half the manpower as compared to the Indian military.

Be it combat tanks or other ammunition Pakistan does not match up to India.

Even when both nations are compared based on airpower India has at least 700 more aircraft than its neighbour.

In terms of naval strength, while India already has an aircraft career on the high seas and a second one likely to be inducted in the next few years, Pakistan is yet to get its first.

In terms of submarines and naval destroyers, the matchup couldn't be more mismatched.

Maybe it is about time Pakistan focuses more on its fragile economy and not on aggressive rhetoric. Because 'Naya Pakistan' would not even be close to new India in any way.

Pakistan has been whipping up hysteria over Kashmir ever since the Indian government revoked the special status of the state. There are reports of Pakistan moving more aircraft and troops to its forward bases close to Ladakh near the LoC.

Pakistan has been whipping up hysteria over Kashmir ever since the Indian government revoked the special status of the state. There are reports of Pakistan moving more aircraft and troops to its forward bases close to Ladakh near the LoC. The two armies have clashed four times in the past seventy years. At the present situation, there is a red line somewhere, notional of course, which, if crossed, could lead to the war. Here is how their militaries stack up. In the latest report released by Global Firepower ranking, there is absolutely no match between the military might of India and Pakistan. While India is only behind the US, Russia and China in terms of the overall power index Pakistan is far behind on the 17th position. On every parameter, be it land, air or sea, Pakistan languishes far behind India's military power. Pakistan barely has half the manpower as compared to the Indian military. Be it combat tanks or other ammunition Pakistan does not match up to India. Even when both nations are compared based on airpower India has at least 700 more aircraft than its neighbour. In terms of naval strength, while India already has an aircraft career on the high seas and a second one likely to be inducted in the next few years, Pakistan is yet to get its first. In terms of submarines and naval destroyers, the matchup couldn't be more mismatched. Maybe it is about time Pakistan focuses more on its fragile economy and not on aggressive rhetoric. Because 'Naya Pakistan' would not even be close to new India in any way.

How India's military might stacks up against Pakistan's: A comparative study

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended ‘Maitree Diwas’ in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“This festival symbolises the patriotism of the people of the region and their close relationship with the Armed Forces. The civil-military friendship is an assurance that the nation’s borders are doubly safe. He called for oneness among people, civil administration, Police and Central Armed Police Forces to realise the dream of New India,” Singh said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The two-day socio-military cultural extravaganza is jointly organised by the Indian Army, Tawang civil administration and volunteers at the high-altitude stadium, which stands as a testimony to the spirit of solidarity and patriotic fervour that runs deep amongst the locals of Tawang district. 
&nbsp; 
Singh stressed on government’s planning of setting up of North East Industrial Corridor which will facilitate numerous job opportunities for the people of the region.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Arunachal Corridor will act as a land bridge between India and South East Asia that will provide employment opportunities and promote tourism. India is marching forward on the path of all-round progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi,” Singh said this during his address at the 11th Maitree Diwas Celebrations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Construction of a tunnel at Sela Pass to Tawang, operationalisation of Pasighat Airport, nod to set up Hollongi Airport near Itanagar and work to establish three strategic Railway lines in the region are some of the decisions in that direction. These projects will provide all-weather connectivity to the local population, facilitate the movement of the Armed Forces and give a boost to tourism,” Singh further added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
This apart, he lauded the Five-Year Road Plan of Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Pema Khandu under which all the existing inter-state and inter-district roads will be upgraded to State highway specifications by 2024.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended ‘Maitree Diwas’ in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday. “This festival symbolises the patriotism of the people of the region and their close relationship with the Armed Forces.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended ‘Maitree Diwas’ in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday. “This festival symbolises the patriotism of the people of the region and their close relationship with the Armed Forces. The civil-military friendship is an assurance that the nation’s borders are doubly safe. He called for oneness among people, civil administration, Police and Central Armed Police Forces to realise the dream of New India,” Singh said. The two-day socio-military cultural extravaganza is jointly organised by the Indian Army, Tawang civil administration and volunteers at the high-altitude stadium, which stands as a testimony to the spirit of solidarity and patriotic fervour that runs deep amongst the locals of Tawang district. Singh stressed on government’s planning of setting up of North East Industrial Corridor which will facilitate numerous job opportunities for the people of the region. “Arunachal Corridor will act as a land bridge between India and South East Asia that will provide employment opportunities and promote tourism. India is marching forward on the path of all-round progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi,” Singh said this during his address at the 11th Maitree Diwas Celebrations. “Construction of a tunnel at Sela Pass to Tawang, operationalisation of Pasighat Airport, nod to set up Hollongi Airport near Itanagar and work to establish three strategic Railway lines in the region are some of the decisions in that direction. These projects will provide all-weather connectivity to the local population, facilitate the movement of the Armed Forces and give a boost to tourism,” Singh further added. This apart, he lauded the Five-Year Road Plan of Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Pema Khandu under which all the existing inter-state and inter-district roads will be upgraded to State highway specifications by 2024.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attends ‘Maitree Diwas’ in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Delhi's air quality deteriorates to 450, Schools to remain shut till 15th Nov. Watch video to know more.

Delhi's air quality deteriorates to 450, Schools to remain shut till 15th Nov

Delhi once again woke up with no respite from toxic air as the air quality continued to remain under the "severe" category in most parts and neared hitting&nbsp;the emergency mark in some regions.&nbsp;

As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, at 7 am, the air quality index (AQI) of Dwarka Sector 8, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, was&nbsp;496 and 492 respectively, which is very close to the "emergency'' category. It should be noted that an AQI of 500 or more falls under "severe" or "emergency" category. In many parts of Delhi and its adjoining areas, the air quality remained under "severe" category.&nbsp;

An AQI of 0-50 is considered as "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor" and 401-500 "severe". &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

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Delhi: A layer of smog blankets the national capital this morning; visuals from Akshardham. <a href="https://t.co/hYB1I4QFR9">pic.twitter.com/hYB1I4QFR9</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1194797854495166464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The air quality dipped to the "severe" stage late on Tuesday after the odd-even rationing scheme was lifted due to the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. The odd-even is a scheme where cars with even and odd number plates are allowed to run on alternate days. The odd-even restrictions are not on two-wheelers and electric vehicles. Women only vehicles with children upto 12 years are also exempted under the odd-even rule.

Due to rising pollution levels, Delhi government on Wednesday once again ordered&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-air-pollution-peaks-in-delhi-schools-to-remain-shut-for-two-days-261891">schools </a>to be shut for two days till November 15. Schools in Delhi were already closed for an extended period due to pollution post-Diwali and reopened on November 5. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also hinted at&nbsp;extending the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-hints-at-extending-odd-even-scheme-as-national-capitals-air-quality-deteriorates-261805">odd-even scheme</a>.

Earlier. the Supreme Court had pulled up Centre and government of northern Indian states for their inability to curb pollution. The apex court also ordered a complete halt to stubble burning, a major contributor to the toxic air and announced incentives to the farmers for discontinuing this practice. Despite SC's order, the practice is continued in many regions.

Stubble burning is a practice where the residues of the crops are burnt once the crop is harvested.&nbsp;

As winter arrives in northern India, residents have to deal with the menace of air pollution as the pollutants enter the thick air and don't disappear quickly. Stubble burning and industrial and construction activities all contribute to the deteriorating air quality.

Delhi once again woke up with no respite from toxic air as the air quality continued to remain under the "severe" category in most parts and neared hitting the emergency mark in some regions.

Delhi once again woke up with no respite from toxic air as the air quality continued to remain under the "severe" category in most parts and neared hitting the emergency mark in some regions. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, at 7 am, the air quality index (AQI) of Dwarka Sector 8, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, was 496 and 492 respectively, which is very close to the "emergency'' category. It should be noted that an AQI of 500 or more falls under "severe" or "emergency" category. In many parts of Delhi and its adjoining areas, the air quality remained under "severe" category. An AQI of 0-50 is considered as "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor" and 401-500 "severe". Delhi: A layer of smog blankets the national capital this morning; visuals from Akshardham. pic.twitter.com/hYB1I4QFR9 — ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2019 × The air quality dipped to the "severe" stage late on Tuesday after the odd-even rationing scheme was lifted due to the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. The odd-even is a scheme where cars with even and odd number plates are allowed to run on alternate days. The odd-even restrictions are not on two-wheelers and electric vehicles. Women only vehicles with children upto 12 years are also exempted under the odd-even rule. Due to rising pollution levels, Delhi government on Wednesday once again ordered schools to be shut for two days till November 15. Schools in Delhi were already closed for an extended period due to pollution post-Diwali and reopened on November 5. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also hinted at extending the odd-even scheme. Earlier. the Supreme Court had pulled up Centre and government of northern Indian states for their inability to curb pollution. The apex court also ordered a complete halt to stubble burning, a major contributor to the toxic air and announced incentives to the farmers for discontinuing this practice. Despite SC's order, the practice is continued in many regions. Stubble burning is a practice where the residues of the crops are burnt once the crop is harvested. As winter arrives in northern India, residents have to deal with the menace of air pollution as the pollutants enter the thick air and don't disappear quickly. Stubble burning and industrial and construction activities all contribute to the deteriorating air quality.

No respite from toxic air as Delhi's air quality nears 'emergency' mark

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary.

Taking to Twitter, Modi tweeted, "Tributes to our former PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary."

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Tributes to our former PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1194783299224457220?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Nehru was born on November 14, 1889, in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. He breathed his last on May 27, 1964. He became the prime minister on August 15, 1947, following an active role in the freedom struggle of the country.

Children's Day is celebrated on November 14 every year as a mark of respect to Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India. Nehru was fondly called Chacha Nehru and was known for emphasising the importance of giving love and affection to children.

After the death of Nehru, it was unanimously decided to celebrate his birthday as Bal Diwas or Children's Day in India. On this day, a number of activities are organised for students in schools nationwide such as games, competitions, and so on, while government bodies pay tributes to the late prime minister and organise commemorative events on this day.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary. Taking to Twitter, Modi tweeted, "Tributes to our former PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary. Taking to Twitter, Modi tweeted, "Tributes to our former PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary." Tributes to our former PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 14, 2019 × Nehru was born on November 14, 1889, in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. He breathed his last on May 27, 1964. He became the prime minister on August 15, 1947, following an active role in the freedom struggle of the country. Children's Day is celebrated on November 14 every year as a mark of respect to Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India. Nehru was fondly called Chacha Nehru and was known for emphasising the importance of giving love and affection to children. After the death of Nehru, it was unanimously decided to celebrate his birthday as Bal Diwas or Children's Day in India. On this day, a number of activities are organised for students in schools nationwide such as games, competitions, and so on, while government bodies pay tributes to the late prime minister and organise commemorative events on this day.

PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to India's first PM Jawaharlal Nehru on birth anniversary

The Supreme Court on Thursday closed a contempt case against Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-slams-rahul-gandhi-over-chowkidar-chor-hai-remark-rafale-claims-after-sc-verdict-demands-apology-262036">Rahul Gandhi</a> for his "chowkidar chor hai" (Watchman is the thief) remark with a "word of caution" to him and observed that no court should be dragged into political discourse.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi closed the contempt petition and accepted Rahul Gandhi's apology for wrongly attributing his infamous "chowkidar chor hai" remark in Rafale case to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opined that a person holding a place of importance in political spectrum should have been more careful.

"We would not like to continue these proceedings further and, thus, close the contempt proceedings with a word of caution for the contemnor to be more careful in the future. No court should be dragged into this political discourse," the apex court stated in the verdict.

The comments were made by Gandhi in pursuant to the top court's order on the Rafale deal. Gandhi, who was then the president of the Congress party, allegedly said that the apex court had accepted that "chowkidar"&nbsp;(a reference to Prime Minister Modi), is a "chor"&nbsp;(thief).

BJP lawmaker Meenakshi Lekhi accused Gandhi of misquoting the court and filed a contempt petition. Gandhi had then tendered an unconditional apology to the court and sought closure of the contempt proceedings against him. The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, today observed that Gandhi made allegations without verification.

"The contemnor (Rahul Gandhi) deemed it appropriate to make statements as if this Court had given an imprimatur to his allegations against the Prime Minister, which was far from the truth," the bench said.

The top court said that initially Gandhi did not accept his mistake or tendered an apology, but later during the course of proceedings, a "better wisdom" dawned on him.

The Supreme Court on Thursday closed a contempt case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "chowkidar chor hai" (Watchman is the thief) remark with a "word of caution" to him and observed that no court should be dragged into political discourse.

The Supreme Court on Thursday closed a contempt case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "chowkidar chor hai" (Watchman is the thief) remark with a "word of caution" to him and observed that no court should be dragged into political discourse. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi closed the contempt petition and accepted Rahul Gandhi's apology for wrongly attributing his infamous "chowkidar chor hai" remark in Rafale case to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opined that a person holding a place of importance in political spectrum should have been more careful. "We would not like to continue these proceedings further and, thus, close the contempt proceedings with a word of caution for the contemnor to be more careful in the future. No court should be dragged into this political discourse," the apex court stated in the verdict. The comments were made by Gandhi in pursuant to the top court's order on the Rafale deal. Gandhi, who was then the president of the Congress party, allegedly said that the apex court had accepted that "chowkidar" (a reference to Prime Minister Modi), is a "chor" (thief). BJP lawmaker Meenakshi Lekhi accused Gandhi of misquoting the court and filed a contempt petition. Gandhi had then tendered an unconditional apology to the court and sought closure of the contempt proceedings against him. The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, today observed that Gandhi made allegations without verification. "The contemnor (Rahul Gandhi) deemed it appropriate to make statements as if this Court had given an imprimatur to his allegations against the Prime Minister, which was far from the truth," the bench said. The top court said that initially Gandhi did not accept his mistake or tendered an apology, but later during the course of proceedings, a "better wisdom" dawned on him.

Court should not be dragged into political discourse: Supreme Court on Rahul Gandhi contempt case

Soon after 15 out of 17 disqualified MLAs in Karnataka joined the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/15-disqualified-karnataka-mlas-join-bjp-261991">Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)</a> here, state Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/yediyurappa-should-call-all-party-meet-to-discuss-rcep-implications-siddaramaiah-258228">BS Yediyurappa </a>said that the ruling party will win on all 15 Assembly constituencies, where by-elections are slated to be held on December 5.

"They have sacrificed many things after Supreme Court's verdict now they have joined BJP. I welcome all leaders and their supporters who joined. We will stand on our promises, we will never ditch you," Yediyurappa said.

"It's our responsibility as workers to make them win. We will organise a huge program and we will facilitate them (disqualified MLAs). We will win 100 per cent for sure in all 15 constituencies. Small issues in between workers must be ignored. All our 26 MPs will work as in-charges in by-polls," he added.

The Chief Minister went on to add that the national leadership is with them, so "we don't need to be worried."

"Our aim is to make sure our MLAs win. 17 members who joined us they should win. Some were worried about the new party and working style, I have promised them that we will work for their winning. You are our future MLAs, Ministers, so no need to be worried," he said.

Meanwhile, Saravana, husband of an independent corporator Mamatha, also joined BJP. He was earlier a Congress supporter.

A day after Supreme Court's Karnataka verdict, 15 out of 17 disqualified rebel MLAs, including those from Congress and JD(S) had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party today.

Out of the 17 disqualified MLAs, MTB Nagaraj is already a member of the BJP, while Roshan Baig has been left out. The top court has allowed 17 disqualified rebel MLAs to contest in the upcoming by-polls which are slated to be held on December 5.

The Supreme Court had on Wednesday upheld the decision of the then Karnataka speaker K R Ramesh Kumar to disqualify 17 rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs under the anti-defection law but said that they can contest the upcoming by-elections in the state.

The rebel legislators were disqualified by the then speaker K R Ramesh Kumar in July earlier this year under the anti-defection law after they tendered their resignation. They were also barred from contesting polls for the duration of the current assembly, which is slated to end in 2023.

The elections for 15 out of 17 seats are slated to be held on December 5. Soon after 15 out of 17 disqualified MLAs in Karnataka joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) here, state Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said that the ruling party will win on all 15 Assembly constituencies, where by-elections are slated to be held on December 5.

"They have sacrificed many things after Supreme Court's verdict now they have joined BJP. I welcome all leaders and their supporters who joined. We will stand on our promises, we will never ditch you," Yediyurappa said.

"It's our responsibility as workers to make them win. We will organise a huge program and we will facilitate them (disqualified MLAs). We will win 100 per cent for sure in all 15 constituencies. Small issues in between workers must be ignored. All our 26 MPs will work as in-charges in by-polls," he added.

The Chief Minister went on to add that the national leadership is with them, so "we don't need to be worried."

"Our aim is to make sure our MLAs win. 17 members who joined us they should win. Some were worried about the new party and working style, I have promised them that we will work for their winning. You are our future MLAs, Ministers, so no need to be worried," he said.

Meanwhile, Saravana, husband of an independent corporator Mamatha, also joined BJP. He was earlier a Congress supporter.

A day after Supreme Court's Karnataka verdict, 15 out of 17 disqualified rebel MLAs, including those from Congress and JD(S) had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party today.

Out of the 17 disqualified MLAs, MTB Nagaraj is already a member of the BJP, while Roshan Baig has been left out. The top court has allowed 17 disqualified rebel MLAs to contest in the upcoming by-polls which are slated to be held on December 5.

The Supreme Court had on Wednesday upheld the decision of the then Karnataka speaker K R Ramesh Kumar to disqualify 17 rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs under the anti-defection law but said that they can contest the upcoming by-elections in the state.

The rebel legislators were disqualified by the then speaker K R Ramesh Kumar in July earlier this year under the anti-defection law after they tendered their resignation. They were also barred from contesting polls for the duration of the current assembly, which is slated to end in 2023.

The elections for 15 out of 17 seats are slated to be held on December 5.

Soon after 15 out of 17 disqualified MLAs in Karnataka joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) here, state Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said that the ruling party will win on all 15 Assembly constituencies, where by-elections are slated to be held on December 5.

Soon after 15 out of 17 disqualified MLAs in Karnataka joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) here, state Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said that the ruling party will win on all 15 Assembly constituencies, where by-elections are slated to be held on December 5. "They have sacrificed many things after Supreme Court's verdict now they have joined BJP. I welcome all leaders and their supporters who joined. We will stand on our promises, we will never ditch you," Yediyurappa said. "It's our responsibility as workers to make them win. We will organise a huge program and we will facilitate them (disqualified MLAs). We will win 100 per cent for sure in all 15 constituencies. Small issues in between workers must be ignored. All our 26 MPs will work as in-charges in by-polls," he added. The Chief Minister went on to add that the national leadership is with them, so "we don't need to be worried." "Our aim is to make sure our MLAs win. 17 members who joined us they should win. Some were worried about the new party and working style, I have promised them that we will work for their winning. You are our future MLAs, Ministers, so no need to be worried," he said. Meanwhile, Saravana, husband of an independent corporator Mamatha, also joined BJP. He was earlier a Congress supporter. A day after Supreme Court's Karnataka verdict, 15 out of 17 disqualified rebel MLAs, including those from Congress and JD(S) had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party today. Out of the 17 disqualified MLAs, MTB Nagaraj is already a member of the BJP, while Roshan Baig has been left out. The top court has allowed 17 disqualified rebel MLAs to contest in the upcoming by-polls which are slated to be held on December 5. The Supreme Court had on Wednesday upheld the decision of the then Karnataka speaker K R Ramesh Kumar to disqualify 17 rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs under the anti-defection law but said that they can contest the upcoming by-elections in the state. The rebel legislators were disqualified by the then speaker K R Ramesh Kumar in July earlier this year under the anti-defection law after they tendered their resignation. They were also barred from contesting polls for the duration of the current assembly, which is slated to end in 2023. The elections for 15 out of 17 seats are slated to be held on December 5. Soon after 15 out of 17 disqualified MLAs in Karnataka joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) here, state Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said that the ruling party will win on all 15 Assembly constituencies, where by-elections are slated to be held on December 5. "They have sacrificed many things after Supreme Court's verdict now they have joined BJP. I welcome all leaders and their supporters who joined. We will stand on our promises, we will never ditch you," Yediyurappa said. "It's our responsibility as workers to make them win. We will organise a huge program and we will facilitate them (disqualified MLAs). We will win 100 per cent for sure in all 15 constituencies. Small issues in between workers must be ignored. All our 26 MPs will work as in-charges in by-polls," he added. The Chief Minister went on to add that the national leadership is with them, so "we don't need to be worried." "Our aim is to make sure our MLAs win. 17 members who joined us they should win. Some were worried about the new party and working style, I have promised them that we will work for their winning. You are our future MLAs, Ministers, so no need to be worried," he said. Meanwhile, Saravana, husband of an independent corporator Mamatha, also joined BJP. He was earlier a Congress supporter. A day after Supreme Court's Karnataka verdict, 15 out of 17 disqualified rebel MLAs, including those from Congress and JD(S) had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party today. Out of the 17 disqualified MLAs, MTB Nagaraj is already a member of the BJP, while Roshan Baig has been left out. The top court has allowed 17 disqualified rebel MLAs to contest in the upcoming by-polls which are slated to be held on December 5. The Supreme Court had on Wednesday upheld the decision of the then Karnataka speaker K R Ramesh Kumar to disqualify 17 rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs under the anti-defection law but said that they can contest the upcoming by-elections in the state. The rebel legislators were disqualified by the then speaker K R Ramesh Kumar in July earlier this year under the anti-defection law after they tendered their resignation. They were also barred from contesting polls for the duration of the current assembly, which is slated to end in 2023. The elections for 15 out of 17 seats are slated to be held on December 5.

We will win for sure in all 15 constituencies: BS Yediyurappa

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said there was a "motivated propaganda" behind questioning the Rafale fighter jet deal and demanded that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi apologise to the nation for misleading people on the issue.

Welcoming the court decision to dismiss the petitions, she said, "It shows that government's decision was right on the price, the process and on the offsets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi put national security on top,"&nbsp;adding that the Air Force was needed to be "strengthened without any further delay".

The BJP leader said that there was a "motivated propaganda" behind raising objections in the deal which, she said, has been "defeated".

Emphasizing that the national security cannot be compromised for political ambitions, the Finance Minister said, "The Armed Forces were demoralised by the brazen allegations against the then Chief of the Air Force by the Congress".

"Chor comment by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-dismisses-rafale-review-petitions-261965">Rahul Gandhi </a>of Congress was repeated several times for political gains; brazenly accusing the Prime Minister is called out for what it is, irresponsible. He should apologise to the nation for misleading the people with blatant lies, even in the Lok Sabha," he said.

Earlier today, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi passed an order on a batch of petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of 36 Rafale jets by NDA government from France.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said there was a "motivated propaganda" behind questioning the Rafale fighter jet deal and demanded that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi apologise to the nation for misleading people on the issue.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said there was a "motivated propaganda" behind questioning the Rafale fighter jet deal and demanded that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi apologise to the nation for misleading people on the issue. Welcoming the court decision to dismiss the petitions, she said, "It shows that government's decision was right on the price, the process and on the offsets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi put national security on top," adding that the Air Force was needed to be "strengthened without any further delay". The BJP leader said that there was a "motivated propaganda" behind raising objections in the deal which, she said, has been "defeated". Emphasizing that the national security cannot be compromised for political ambitions, the Finance Minister said, "The Armed Forces were demoralised by the brazen allegations against the then Chief of the Air Force by the Congress". "Chor comment by Rahul Gandhi of Congress was repeated several times for political gains; brazenly accusing the Prime Minister is called out for what it is, irresponsible. He should apologise to the nation for misleading the people with blatant lies, even in the Lok Sabha," he said. Earlier today, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi passed an order on a batch of petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of 36 Rafale jets by NDA government from France.

Sitharaman demands Rahul Gandhi's apology for 'misleading' nation on Rafale deal

Home Minister and BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday sought an apology from Congress after<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-dismisses-rafale-review-petitions-261965"> Supreme Court dismissed review petitions</a> in the Rafale case and said that judgment was a befitting reply to those leaders and parties who rely "on malicious and baseless campaigns".

Shah said the verdict reaffirms the government's credentials as one which is transparent and corruption-free.

"Supreme Court's decision to dismiss the review petition on Rafale is a befitting reply to those leaders and parties who rely on malicious and baseless campaigns. Today's decision, yet again, reaffirms Modi sarkar's credentials as a govt which is transparent and corruption-free," he said.

Shah said the top court's ruling in the matter proved that the disruption of proceedings in Parliament was a "sham".

Watch: 'No inquiry needed on Rafale' says Supreme Court; Dismisses review pleas

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He also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his allegations against the government about Rafale controversy saying "politics was above national interest for him" and sought an apology.

"Now, it has been proved that the disruption of Parliament over Rafale was a sham. Time could have been better utilised for the welfare of people. After today's rebuke from SC, Congress and its leader, for whom politics is above national interest, must apologise to the nation," Shah said.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court dismissed the review petitions challenging its verdict in the Rafale case on December 14, 2018.

A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K M Joseph passed the order on a batch of petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld the purchase of 36 Rafale jets by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government from France.

The top court also accepted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's apology for bringing in the court ruling in relation to his "chowkidar chor hai" (Watchman&nbsp;is the thief) remark in the Rafale case and said that a person holding a place of importance in political spectrum should have been more careful.

Home Minister and BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday sought an apology from Congress after Supreme Court dismissed review petitions in the Rafale case and said that judgment was a befitting reply to those leaders and parties who rely "on malicious and baseless campaigns".

Home Minister and BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday sought an apology from Congress after Supreme Court dismissed review petitions in the Rafale case and said that judgment was a befitting reply to those leaders and parties who rely "on malicious and baseless campaigns". Shah said the verdict reaffirms the government's credentials as one which is transparent and corruption-free. "Supreme Court's decision to dismiss the review petition on Rafale is a befitting reply to those leaders and parties who rely on malicious and baseless campaigns. Today's decision, yet again, reaffirms Modi sarkar's credentials as a govt which is transparent and corruption-free," he said. Shah said the top court's ruling in the matter proved that the disruption of proceedings in Parliament was a "sham". Watch: 'No inquiry needed on Rafale' says Supreme Court; Dismisses review pleas × He also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his allegations against the government about Rafale controversy saying "politics was above national interest for him" and sought an apology. "Now, it has been proved that the disruption of Parliament over Rafale was a sham. Time could have been better utilised for the welfare of people. After today's rebuke from SC, Congress and its leader, for whom politics is above national interest, must apologise to the nation," Shah said. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court dismissed the review petitions challenging its verdict in the Rafale case on December 14, 2018. A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K M Joseph passed the order on a batch of petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld the purchase of 36 Rafale jets by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government from France. The top court also accepted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's apology for bringing in the court ruling in relation to his "chowkidar chor hai" (Watchman is the thief) remark in the Rafale case and said that a person holding a place of importance in political spectrum should have been more careful.

Rafale deal verdict: Supreme Court's decision a befitting reply to those relying on malicious campaigns, says Amit Shah

The Central Bureau of Investigation will soon file fresh charges in the $2 billion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-national-bank-fraud-case-british-court-rejects-fugitive-diamantaire-nirav-modis-fresh-bail-application-260364">Punjab National Bank (PNB)</a> fraud case and detail how the alleged wrongdoing was carried out, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter.

In the police's initial charges, billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi, 21 other people, including PNB officials, and three Modi companies were accused of being involved in fraudulent transactions that led to losses of roughly 65 billion rupees ($911 million) for PNB.

Three other Modi employees, a PNB officer, and a relative of Modi's are now also likely to be charged, said the source, who asked not to be identified as the charges have yet to be made public.

"The investigating officer's report is in and the charge sheet is ready. It is being reviewed by the head office," said the source.

India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

PNB, India's second-biggest state-run bank, in 2018 alleged that a few rogue employees had issued fake bank guarantees over several years to help jewellery groups - controlled by Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi - raise funds in foreign credit. Both have denied any wrongdoing.

Modi was arrested in London in March and is currently fighting extradition to India.

Police filed their first charges in May last year and at the time detailed only some of the alleged fraudulent transactions to Modi and his associates.

The new charge sheet will include 150 transactions and provide details on how fake bank guarantees were used to funnel funds between countries and dummy companies, the source said.

A separate second charge sheet against Choksi and his associates is still pending and will take time as police link 142 other transactions to that case, another source told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

PNB has said losses related to Choksi and his associates were more than 70 billion rupees.

The Central Bureau of Investigation will soon file fresh charges in the $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case and detail how the alleged wrongdoing was carried out, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter.

The Central Bureau of Investigation will soon file fresh charges in the $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case and detail how the alleged wrongdoing was carried out, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter. In the police's initial charges, billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi, 21 other people, including PNB officials, and three Modi companies were accused of being involved in fraudulent transactions that led to losses of roughly 65 billion rupees ($911 million) for PNB. Three other Modi employees, a PNB officer, and a relative of Modi's are now also likely to be charged, said the source, who asked not to be identified as the charges have yet to be made public. "The investigating officer's report is in and the charge sheet is ready. It is being reviewed by the head office," said the source. India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) did not immediately respond to a request for comment. PNB, India's second-biggest state-run bank, in 2018 alleged that a few rogue employees had issued fake bank guarantees over several years to help jewellery groups - controlled by Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi - raise funds in foreign credit. Both have denied any wrongdoing. Modi was arrested in London in March and is currently fighting extradition to India. Police filed their first charges in May last year and at the time detailed only some of the alleged fraudulent transactions to Modi and his associates. The new charge sheet will include 150 transactions and provide details on how fake bank guarantees were used to funnel funds between countries and dummy companies, the source said. A separate second charge sheet against Choksi and his associates is still pending and will take time as police link 142 other transactions to that case, another source told Reuters on condition of anonymity. PNB has said losses related to Choksi and his associates were more than 70 billion rupees.

CBI to soon file fresh charges in $2 billion Punjab National Bank fraud case: Report

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has started working on the tentatively called Chandrayaan-3, according to various reports. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: ISRO to launch Chandrayaan-3

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomes SC verdict over Rafale, says 'NDA govt vindicated'

After the Supreme court dismissed the review petition on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-dismisses-rafale-review-petitions-261965">Rafale deal</a>, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders slammed senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and demanded an apology to him.

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad lashed at Gandhi for "lying" about the Rafale deal. He said that Rahul not only dragged Dassault and Reliance, the companies that were involved in the agreement, but also former presidents of France.

"Earlier he (Rahul Gandhi) created furore saying that PM Modi gave the deal to Reliance, then Dassault said that decision is taken by them not the&nbsp;Indian government,"&nbsp;Prasad said.

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Ravi Shankar Prasad, BJP: Rahul Gandhi lied in the Parliament that France President Emmanuel Macron told him that the deal can be disclosed. Rahul Gandhi not only used Reliance and Dassault in his lies but also the current and former Presidents of France. (2/2) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RafaleVerdict?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RafaleVerdict</a> <a href="https://t.co/AIPjpyvJEU">https://t.co/AIPjpyvJEU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1194898502351872002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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JP Nadda, BJP working president also slammed Gandhi and demanded an apology. "Rahul Gandhi and his party tried hard to mislead the country on this issue but the truth prevailed," the BJP working president said.&nbsp;

"Rahul Gandhi should an offer apology&nbsp;to the nation," Nadda demanded.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh did not take any names but said that matters related to defence should not be politicised. He also slammed Congress party for&nbsp;maligning the image of PM Modi and demanded an apology.

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Rajnath Singh: I think matters related to defence preparedness shouldn't be politicised,unfortunately some people did it for personal benefits.They also tried to malign Prime Minister.I would like to say that it was done especially by some senior Congress leaders. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RafaleVerdict?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RafaleVerdict</a> <a href="https://t.co/ioLt0G62NL">https://t.co/ioLt0G62NL</a> <a href="https://t.co/oMqMHrgC6O">pic.twitter.com/oMqMHrgC6O</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1194887584893136898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The apex court earlier today rejected the review petitions that challenged its verdict passed on December 14, 2018 in the 36 Rafale jets deal. The review petition questioned the procurement of Rafale jets from the French government.&nbsp;

The top court also closed a contempt petition filed by senior BJP lawmaker Meenakshi Lekhi against Rahul Gandhi for his comments of "chowkidar chor hai" attributing to PM Narendra Modi. Rahul Gandhi apologised for his comments to the Indian PM.

"Rahul Gandhi needs to be more careful in the future. It was unfortunate," a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said while announcing their verdict.

"The Supreme Court has said that he (Rahul Gandhi) is a contemptner and a better sense should prevail. Keeping that in mind, a better methodology of doing politics should prevail and Congress should know how not to be intolerant of others who are doing better than them," Lekhi said after 
the apex court's judgment.

After the Supreme court dismissed the review petition on Rafale deal, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders slammed senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and demanded an apology to him.

After the Supreme court dismissed the review petition on Rafale deal, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders slammed senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and demanded an apology to him. Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad lashed at Gandhi for "lying" about the Rafale deal. He said that Rahul not only dragged Dassault and Reliance, the companies that were involved in the agreement, but also former presidents of France. "Earlier he (Rahul Gandhi) created furore saying that PM Modi gave the deal to Reliance, then Dassault said that decision is taken by them not the Indian government," Prasad said. Ravi Shankar Prasad, BJP: Rahul Gandhi lied in the Parliament that France President Emmanuel Macron told him that the deal can be disclosed. Rahul Gandhi not only used Reliance and Dassault in his lies but also the current and former Presidents of France. (2/2) #RafaleVerdict https://t.co/AIPjpyvJEU — ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2019 × JP Nadda, BJP working president also slammed Gandhi and demanded an apology. "Rahul Gandhi and his party tried hard to mislead the country on this issue but the truth prevailed," the BJP working president said. "Rahul Gandhi should an offer apology to the nation," Nadda demanded. Defence minister Rajnath Singh did not take any names but said that matters related to defence should not be politicised. He also slammed Congress party for maligning the image of PM Modi and demanded an apology. Rajnath Singh: I think matters related to defence preparedness shouldn't be politicised,unfortunately some people did it for personal benefits.They also tried to malign Prime Minister.I would like to say that it was done especially by some senior Congress leaders. #RafaleVerdict https://t.co/ioLt0G62NL pic.twitter.com/oMqMHrgC6O — ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2019 × The apex court earlier today rejected the review petitions that challenged its verdict passed on December 14, 2018 in the 36 Rafale jets deal. The review petition questioned the procurement of Rafale jets from the French government. The top court also closed a contempt petition filed by senior BJP lawmaker Meenakshi Lekhi against Rahul Gandhi for his comments of "chowkidar chor hai" attributing to PM Narendra Modi. Rahul Gandhi apologised for his comments to the Indian PM. "Rahul Gandhi needs to be more careful in the future. It was unfortunate," a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said while announcing their verdict. "The Supreme Court has said that he (Rahul Gandhi) is a contemptner and a better sense should prevail. Keeping that in mind, a better methodology of doing politics should prevail and Congress should know how not to be intolerant of others who are doing better than them," Lekhi said after the apex court's judgment.

BJP slams Rahul Gandhi over Rafale claims after SC verdict, demands apology

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday defended the decision of President`s rule in Maharashtra saying that there were no other options left with Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari since no party was able to form the government in the state.

"When nobody is forming the government then what is the way out? Political parties in Maharashtra should see the matter. How does it concern us?" he told reporters when asked about the President`s rule in Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also condoled the death of mathematician Vashishtha Narayan Singh and called him the pride of Bihar.

74-year-old Singh passed away earlier in the day at Patna Medical College and Hospital.

Maharashtra came under President`s rule after the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP indicated they were not willing to form a government. The NCP and Congress too had said they were not in an urgency to form government in the wake of the imposition of President`s Rule and said they will sort out all issues among themselves and their allies before talking to Shiv Sena.

Congress and NCP had fought the assembly polls together. BJP had emerged as the single-largest party with 105 seats and Shiv Sena had finished second with 56 seats in the 288-member assembly.&nbsp;

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday defended the decision of President`s rule in Maharashtra saying that there were no other options left with Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari since no party was able to form the government in the state.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday defended the decision of President`s rule in Maharashtra saying that there were no other options left with Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari since no party was able to form the government in the state. "When nobody is forming the government then what is the way out? Political parties in Maharashtra should see the matter. How does it concern us?" he told reporters when asked about the President`s rule in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also condoled the death of mathematician Vashishtha Narayan Singh and called him the pride of Bihar. 74-year-old Singh passed away earlier in the day at Patna Medical College and Hospital. Maharashtra came under President`s rule after the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP indicated they were not willing to form a government. The NCP and Congress too had said they were not in an urgency to form government in the wake of the imposition of President`s Rule and said they will sort out all issues among themselves and their allies before talking to Shiv Sena. Congress and NCP had fought the assembly polls together. BJP had emerged as the single-largest party with 105 seats and Shiv Sena had finished second with 56 seats in the 288-member assembly.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar defends President's rule in Maharashtra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held bilateral meeting&nbsp;with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Brazil.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brasilia on Wednesday on a two-day official visit to attend the annual session of BRICS, a grouping of five major world economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

The 11th BRICS summit will focus on strengthening ties among the five countries in key areas such as digital economy, science, and technology, as well as in building mechanisms for counter-terrorism cooperation. The theme of this year's summit is 'Economic Growth for an Innovative Future'.

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Brasilia, Brazil: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds bilateral meeting with President of Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BRICS2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BRICS2019</a> Summit. <a href="https://t.co/Y9DL5F4wUp">pic.twitter.com/Y9DL5F4wUp</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1194669947663704064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Taking to Twitter upon his arrival, Modi expressed hope that the summit will enhance cultural and economic linkages between member nations.

"Reached Brazil to take part in the BRICS Summit. Will also meet various world leaders during this visit. I am sure the BRICS Summit will enhance cultural and economic linkages between BRICS nations," Modi tweeted.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold several bilaterals with leaders of the member nations, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro.

This year the joint working group on counter-terrorism has decided to constitute five sub-working groups on counterterrorism in the following areas: terrorist financing, use of the Internet for terrorist purposes, countering radicalisation, issue of foreign terrorist fighters and capacity-building, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

This is Prime Minister's second visit to Brazil and his first visit after the new administration led by president Bolsonaro assumed office on January 1, 2019, the ministry said.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

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

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

Britain's Prince Charles celebrated his 71st birthday with school children in an iconic hotel in India.&nbsp;

Charles cut his birthday cake in the presence of a group of children who were dressed up in their school uniform at the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai. Earlier, the Prince of Wales attended a round-table conference on sustainable market initiatives with a group of businessmen in the same hotel.

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The Prince of Wales - Prince Charles celebrated his 71st birthday with school children in Mumbai, today. <a href="https://t.co/j0YXeYY5Ub">pic.twitter.com/j0YXeYY5Ub</a>
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After arriving in India on Wednesday, Prince Charles visited Bangla Sahib Gurudwara where he was presented a 'kirpan' by members of a Gurudwara committee. Prince Charles also participated in the 'seva', where he helped in preparing chapatis for the Langar. &nbsp;

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Charles also took a ride in an e-rickshaw driven by a woman. He also held bilateral talks with President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and visited the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prince-charles-visits-india-meteorological-department-261804">India Meteorological Department </a>and the Delhi War cemetery, among other sites.&nbsp;

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This is the tenth official visit of Britain prince to India. He last visited the country with his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, as part of their 10-day tour to Asian countries, including Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei.

Last month, Prince Charles' elder son Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton had visited neighbouring country Pakistan. &nbsp;

The Prince of Wales' 10th official visit is to celebrate enduring British-Indian ties, with a focus on shared global challenges such as sustainability and climate change.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Britain's Prince Charles celebrated his 71st birthday with school children in an iconic hotel in India. Charles cut his birthday cake in the presence of a group of children who were dressed up in their school uniform at the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai.

Britain's Prince Charles celebrated his 71st birthday with school children in an iconic hotel in India. Charles cut his birthday cake in the presence of a group of children who were dressed up in their school uniform at the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai. Earlier, the Prince of Wales attended a round-table conference on sustainable market initiatives with a group of businessmen in the same hotel. The Prince of Wales - Prince Charles celebrated his 71st birthday with school children in Mumbai, today. pic.twitter.com/j0YXeYY5Ub — ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2019 × After arriving in India on Wednesday, Prince Charles visited Bangla Sahib Gurudwara where he was presented a 'kirpan' by members of a Gurudwara committee. Prince Charles also participated in the 'seva', where he helped in preparing chapatis for the Langar. #RT @ANI: Prince of Wales - Prince Charles at the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi. He is on a three-day visit to India. pic.twitter.com/3XZiLe6w6B — Gabbar (@GabbarSinggg) November 13, 2019 × Charles also took a ride in an e-rickshaw driven by a woman. He also held bilateral talks with President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and visited the India Meteorological Department and the Delhi War cemetery, among other sites. #RT @ANI: Delhi: The Prince of Wales-Prince Charles called on President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. He is on a three-day visit to India. pic.twitter.com/Nzjx5vR5Gm — Gabbar (@GabbarSinggg) November 13, 2019 × This is the tenth official visit of Britain prince to India. He last visited the country with his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, as part of their 10-day tour to Asian countries, including Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei. Last month, Prince Charles' elder son Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton had visited neighbouring country Pakistan. The Prince of Wales' 10th official visit is to celebrate enduring British-Indian ties, with a focus on shared global challenges such as sustainability and climate change. (with inputs from agencies)

Prince Charles celebrates 71st birthday with school children in Mumbai

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah should have raised objections when Uddhav Thackeray announced that the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra will be from Shiv Sena during the election rallies.

He also slammed the Home Minister for not briefing Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the closed-door talks which were held between Shah and Thackeray pertaining to the power-sharing.

"I agree that PM Modi used to project Devendra Fadnavis as the next chief minister of Maharashtra but at the same time, Uddhav Thackeray was also telling the public that the next chief minister will be from Shiv Sena. Then at that time why didn't Amit Shah raised any objection. He did not say anything during the Lok Sabha election then why is he having a problem in Vidhan Sabha elections," the Shiv Sena said while speaking to media in Mumbai.

"Amit Bhai use to say that the matters discussed in the closed room should not be discussed outside. But when they do not comply with mutual decisions, the matters become the topic of discussion outdoors. Shah should have briefed the Prime Minister. Our Prime Minister has a big heart and the matter would not have become worse if he was updated with the latest talks," he added.

The statement from Raut came just a day after Amit Shah stated that it will be inappropriate to disclose the deliberations that were held "behind closed doors" between his party and Shiv Sena over government formation in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra came under the president's rule on Tuesday. The President signed the notification following the recommendation of the Union Cabinet, which acted on the report from Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

The Governor had recommended the imposition of president's rule in the wake of the political stalemate over the government formation in the state. Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray emerged as the second-largest party in last month's Maharashtra assembly elections with 56 seats. The two parties, who fought the elections together, were at loggerheads over power-sharing.

The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 105 seats in the 288-member state assembly. Shiv Sena insisted that the two parties had a '50-50' power-sharing agreement before the elections. Fadnavis said that Shiv Sena was not promised the chief ministerial post for two-and-a-half years when the alliance was sealed before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah should have raised objections when Uddhav Thackeray announced that the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra will be from Shiv Sena during the election rallies.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah should have raised objections when Uddhav Thackeray announced that the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra will be from Shiv Sena during the election rallies. He also slammed the Home Minister for not briefing Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the closed-door talks which were held between Shah and Thackeray pertaining to the power-sharing. "I agree that PM Modi used to project Devendra Fadnavis as the next chief minister of Maharashtra but at the same time, Uddhav Thackeray was also telling the public that the next chief minister will be from Shiv Sena. Then at that time why didn't Amit Shah raised any objection. He did not say anything during the Lok Sabha election then why is he having a problem in Vidhan Sabha elections," the Shiv Sena said while speaking to media in Mumbai. "Amit Bhai use to say that the matters discussed in the closed room should not be discussed outside. But when they do not comply with mutual decisions, the matters become the topic of discussion outdoors. Shah should have briefed the Prime Minister. Our Prime Minister has a big heart and the matter would not have become worse if he was updated with the latest talks," he added. The statement from Raut came just a day after Amit Shah stated that it will be inappropriate to disclose the deliberations that were held "behind closed doors" between his party and Shiv Sena over government formation in Maharashtra. Maharashtra came under the president's rule on Tuesday. The President signed the notification following the recommendation of the Union Cabinet, which acted on the report from Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Governor had recommended the imposition of president's rule in the wake of the political stalemate over the government formation in the state. Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray emerged as the second-largest party in last month's Maharashtra assembly elections with 56 seats. The two parties, who fought the elections together, were at loggerheads over power-sharing. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 105 seats in the 288-member state assembly. Shiv Sena insisted that the two parties had a '50-50' power-sharing agreement before the elections. Fadnavis said that Shiv Sena was not promised the chief ministerial post for two-and-a-half years when the alliance was sealed before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

'Why didn't Amit Shah object when Uddhav announced that next CM will be from Sena?' asks Sanjay Raut

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Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, his senior Congress colleague and state party chief Balasaheb Thorat will be paying a visit to Sanjay Raut who is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mumbai.

Congress leader Manikrao Thakre will also be accompanying them to meet the Shiv Sena leader. Raut was admitted to the Lilavati hospital on November 11 following a complaint of chest pain. Earlier on Tuesday, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray also met him at the hospital.

He has been instrumental in reaching out to various leaders in a bid to garner support for Shiv Sena for the government formation in Maharashtra.

Over a fortnight after the declaration of Assembly election results, Maharashtra came under the President`s Rule on Tuesday as the political stalemate continued in the state.

Shiv Sena, which has been keen on a party nominee becoming chief minister, moved the Supreme Court against Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari`s decision to not extend the time given to it to prove its ability to form the government in the state.

Senior Sena leader and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Manohar Joshi and NCP Chief Sharad Pawar have also met Raut in the hospital.

NCP and Congress have indicated that they were not in a hurry to form a non-BJP government in Maharashtra in the wake of the imposition of President`s Rule and said they will sort out all issues among themselves and their allies before talking to Shiv Sena.

Congress and NCP had fought the assembly polls together. BJP had emerged as the single-largest party with 105 seats and Shiv Sena had finished second with 56 seats in 288-member assembly.&nbsp;

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, his senior Congress colleague and state party chief Balasaheb Thorat will be paying a visit to Sanjay Raut who is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mumbai.

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, his senior Congress colleague and state party chief Balasaheb Thorat will be paying a visit to Sanjay Raut who is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mumbai. Congress leader Manikrao Thakre will also be accompanying them to meet the Shiv Sena leader. Raut was admitted to the Lilavati hospital on November 11 following a complaint of chest pain. Earlier on Tuesday, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray also met him at the hospital. He has been instrumental in reaching out to various leaders in a bid to garner support for Shiv Sena for the government formation in Maharashtra. Over a fortnight after the declaration of Assembly election results, Maharashtra came under the President`s Rule on Tuesday as the political stalemate continued in the state. Shiv Sena, which has been keen on a party nominee becoming chief minister, moved the Supreme Court against Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari`s decision to not extend the time given to it to prove its ability to form the government in the state. Senior Sena leader and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Manohar Joshi and NCP Chief Sharad Pawar have also met Raut in the hospital. NCP and Congress have indicated that they were not in a hurry to form a non-BJP government in Maharashtra in the wake of the imposition of President`s Rule and said they will sort out all issues among themselves and their allies before talking to Shiv Sena. Congress and NCP had fought the assembly polls together. BJP had emerged as the single-largest party with 105 seats and Shiv Sena had finished second with 56 seats in 288-member assembly.

Congress' Ashok Chavan to visit Sanjay Raut in hospital

The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the decision of the then speaker KR Ramesh Kumar to disqualify 17 rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs under the anti-defection law and said that they can contest the upcoming by-elections in the state.

"We are upholding the order of the Speaker," said Justice Ramana while reading out the judgment. The top court said that resignation does not take away the power of disqualification by the speaker. "Since we are deciding disqualification, resignation is not needed to be gone into. As such there is no doubt that disqualification has nothing to do with resignation," the court said.

The rebel legislators were disqualified by the then speaker KR Ramesh Kumar in July under the anti-defection law after they tendered their resignation. They were also barred from contesting polls for the duration of the current assembly, which is slated to end in 2023. The move had led to a fall of the Congress-JD (S) coalition government, paving way for BJP to stake claim to form a new government in the state.

The disgruntled MLAs then moved the apex court challenging their disqualification. They sought quashing of the order passed by the speaker and prohibition imposed on them to contest elections.

The matter was reserved by the court on October 25. The elections for 15 out of 17 seats are slated to be held on December 5. They were earlier scheduled to be conducted on October 21 but were deferred by the Election Commission (EC) as the petitions of disqualified MLAs were pending in the top court.

The poll body had withheld the elections for two seats -- Maski and Rajarajeshwari -- as the petitions against these Assembly constituencies are pending in the Karnataka High Court.

After their&nbsp;disqualification, the strength of the 224-member Assembly had come down to 207. This had brought down the majority mark to 104. The BJP, which helms the government in the state, has 106 MLAs in the Assembly. With the by-poll elections, the majority mark will climb to 222 and the BJP will have to win a minimum of six out of fifteen seats to keep its majority.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the decision of the then speaker KR Ramesh Kumar to disqualify 17 rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs under the anti-defection law and said that they can contest the upcoming by-elections in the state.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the decision of the then speaker KR Ramesh Kumar to disqualify 17 rebel Congress-JD(S) MLAs under the anti-defection law and said that they can contest the upcoming by-elections in the state. "We are upholding the order of the Speaker," said Justice Ramana while reading out the judgment. The top court said that resignation does not take away the power of disqualification by the speaker. "Since we are deciding disqualification, resignation is not needed to be gone into. As such there is no doubt that disqualification has nothing to do with resignation," the court said. The rebel legislators were disqualified by the then speaker KR Ramesh Kumar in July under the anti-defection law after they tendered their resignation. They were also barred from contesting polls for the duration of the current assembly, which is slated to end in 2023. The move had led to a fall of the Congress-JD (S) coalition government, paving way for BJP to stake claim to form a new government in the state. The disgruntled MLAs then moved the apex court challenging their disqualification. They sought quashing of the order passed by the speaker and prohibition imposed on them to contest elections. The matter was reserved by the court on October 25. The elections for 15 out of 17 seats are slated to be held on December 5. They were earlier scheduled to be conducted on October 21 but were deferred by the Election Commission (EC) as the petitions of disqualified MLAs were pending in the top court. The poll body had withheld the elections for two seats -- Maski and Rajarajeshwari -- as the petitions against these Assembly constituencies are pending in the Karnataka High Court. After their disqualification, the strength of the 224-member Assembly had come down to 207. This had brought down the majority mark to 104. The BJP, which helms the government in the state, has 106 MLAs in the Assembly. With the by-poll elections, the majority mark will climb to 222 and the BJP will have to win a minimum of six out of fifteen seats to keep its majority.

SC upholds disqualification of Karnataka's rebel MLAs, permits them to contest bypolls

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The menace of air pollution has once again caused alarm in the national capital as air quality dipped to "severe" category on Wednesday morning and is expected to enter the 'very severe' or emergency category, according to&nbsp;overall air quality index (AQI).

In Delhi, the overall air quality index docked at 467 at 7:00 AM on Wednesday morning, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

There was no respite for residents in the National Capital Region (NCR) too as the air quality recorded in 
Noida, Greater Noida and Faridabad stood at 472, 458 and 441 respectively. Visuals of thick and dense smog were observed in Delhi and its adjoining areas in the morning.&nbsp;

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A layer of smog covers <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> this morning. Visuals from around Lodhi Road, Akshardham and Sarai Kale Khan. <a href="https://t.co/PocONdRr7p">pic.twitter.com/PocONdRr7p</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1194452839742918656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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SAFAR also added that the air quality is expected to further deteriorate in the next two days and will fall under 'severe plus' category. The worsening situation may improve by November 15.

An AQI in the range of 201 to 300 is considered 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe' and above 500 'severe plus'.&nbsp;

However, there was a decreasing trend in stubble burning, which is a major contributor to air pollution as per a methodology used by SAFAR.

As per officials in the weather department, Delhi witnessed a temperature of 11.7 degree Celsius on Tuesday morning, its lowest so far this season.&nbsp;

As the temperature lowers, it becomes easier for the pollutants to mix up and make the air toxic. This phenomenon results in smog, a foggy air which has the presence of pollutants.&nbsp;

As per the Central Pollution Control Bureau (CPCB), Delhi's overall AQI read 425 at 4 pm and 437 at 9 pm on Tuesday. The levels of PM 2.5, a deadly pollutant that can enter into lungs, breached the emergency mark of 300 micrograms per cubic metre and stood at 337 late on Tuesday. PM 10 was also five times higher than the safe limit of 100 micrograms per cubic metre.&nbsp;

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A layer of smog covers the sky, in Ghaziabad this morning. Air Quality Index (AQI) in Indirapuram area is at 465, Loni at 475, Sanjay Nagar at 469 and Vasundhara at 479 - all in 'Severe' category. <a href="https://t.co/gjQVDMN374">pic.twitter.com/gjQVDMN374</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1194449826143821825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The situation of pollution worsened in Delhi yesterday as the Delhi government lifted restrictions on the odd-even scheme due to the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. The odd-even is a rationing scheme where cars with odd and even number plates are allowed to run in the streets on alternate days.

Last week, the apex court pulled up Centre and state governments of northern Indian states for their inability to curb pollution. With the arrival of winter, the situation of air pollution worsens in northern India due to factors such as stubble burning and industrial pollution among others.

Stubble burning is a practice followed by Indian farmers where residues after harvesting are set on fire. The Supreme Court had earlier ordered a complete halt in stubble burning and announced incentives too in order to curb this menace.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

The menace of air pollution has once again caused alarm in the national capital as air quality dipped to "severe" category on Wednesday morning and is expected to enter the 'very severe' or emergency category, according to overall air quality index (AQI).

The menace of air pollution has once again caused alarm in the national capital as air quality dipped to "severe" category on Wednesday morning and is expected to enter the 'very severe' or emergency category, according to overall air quality index (AQI). In Delhi, the overall air quality index docked at 467 at 7:00 AM on Wednesday morning, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). There was no respite for residents in the National Capital Region (NCR) too as the air quality recorded in Noida, Greater Noida and Faridabad stood at 472, 458 and 441 respectively. Visuals of thick and dense smog were observed in Delhi and its adjoining areas in the morning. A layer of smog covers #Delhi this morning. Visuals from around Lodhi Road, Akshardham and Sarai Kale Khan. pic.twitter.com/PocONdRr7p — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2019 × SAFAR also added that the air quality is expected to further deteriorate in the next two days and will fall under 'severe plus' category. The worsening situation may improve by November 15. An AQI in the range of 201 to 300 is considered 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe' and above 500 'severe plus'. However, there was a decreasing trend in stubble burning, which is a major contributor to air pollution as per a methodology used by SAFAR. As per officials in the weather department, Delhi witnessed a temperature of 11.7 degree Celsius on Tuesday morning, its lowest so far this season. As the temperature lowers, it becomes easier for the pollutants to mix up and make the air toxic. This phenomenon results in smog, a foggy air which has the presence of pollutants. As per the Central Pollution Control Bureau (CPCB), Delhi's overall AQI read 425 at 4 pm and 437 at 9 pm on Tuesday. The levels of PM 2.5, a deadly pollutant that can enter into lungs, breached the emergency mark of 300 micrograms per cubic metre and stood at 337 late on Tuesday. PM 10 was also five times higher than the safe limit of 100 micrograms per cubic metre. A layer of smog covers the sky, in Ghaziabad this morning. Air Quality Index (AQI) in Indirapuram area is at 465, Loni at 475, Sanjay Nagar at 469 and Vasundhara at 479 - all in 'Severe' category. pic.twitter.com/gjQVDMN374 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 13, 2019 × The situation of pollution worsened in Delhi yesterday as the Delhi government lifted restrictions on the odd-even scheme due to the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. The odd-even is a rationing scheme where cars with odd and even number plates are allowed to run in the streets on alternate days. Last week, the apex court pulled up Centre and state governments of northern Indian states for their inability to curb pollution. With the arrival of winter, the situation of air pollution worsens in northern India due to factors such as stubble burning and industrial pollution among others. Stubble burning is a practice followed by Indian farmers where residues after harvesting are set on fire. The Supreme Court had earlier ordered a complete halt in stubble burning and announced incentives too in order to curb this menace. (with inputs from agencies)

Air quality in Delhi 'severe', set to enter 'emergency' category today: SAFAR

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

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

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

Chandrayaan-2 sends new pictures of moon's surface

Delhi AQI Back to Severe; Closer to Emergency Level. Watch video to know more.

Delhi AQI Back to Severe; Closer to Emergency Level

Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority on Wednesday issued recommendations directing schools in Delhi/NCR to remain shut for the coming two days in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-haryana-should-take-steps-to-convert-stubble-into-cng-coal-kejriwal-261828">wake worsening air quality</a>.&nbsp;

The anti-pollution body has also directed industries using coal and other such fuels, hot mix plants et cetera to remain closed till November 15, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the AAP-led Delhi government to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-asks-delhi-government-to-submit-data-on-pollution-levels-261848">provide data on pollution levels</a> in the national capital from the date on which the odd-even scheme commenced till November 14.

A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Deepak Gupta issued a notice to the Delhi government on a petition challenging the odd-even rationing scheme formulated by it.

The top court also asked the city government and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to provide data on the air quality index (AQI) from October 1 to December 31 of last year.

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Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority has issued recommendations for Delhi NCR, Schools should remain closed for next 2 days and industries using coal and other such fuels, hot mix plants etc should remain closed till 15th. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirQuality?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirQuality</a> <a href="https://t.co/vs7RBwhEYO">pic.twitter.com/vs7RBwhEYO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1194621551804440581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Cooler temperatures and lighter wind trapped heavy smog over the Indian capital on Wednesday, pushing pollution to "severe" levels in many places with no immediate relief in sight, government agencies said.

The overall air quality index (AQI) in the city was 494, according to the monitoring agency SAFAR.

The index measures the levels of airborne PM 2.5 - particles that can reach deep into the lungs. Anything above 60 is considered unhealthy.

With the cool season setting in, the city was likely to suffer for weeks, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"Now that it is getting colder, air is not rising high enough to disperse pollutants. The whole trapping is happening close to the ground," said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, an executive director at Centre for Science and Environment, a Delhi-based research and advocacy organisation.

The Central Pollution Control Board said pollution levels had touched 500 in some parts of the city, meaning danger for healthy people, not just those suffering from existing conditions.

Farmers burning stubble in their fields in areas around the city have been generating clouds of acrid smoke, SAFAR said, and the smog could get even worse.

"No sudden recovery is expected under this condition at least for the next two days and AQI is likely to deteriorate further," it said.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority on Wednesday issued recommendations directing schools in Delhi/NCR to remain shut for the coming two days in the wake worsening air quality.

Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority on Wednesday issued recommendations directing schools in Delhi/NCR to remain shut for the coming two days in the wake worsening air quality. The anti-pollution body has also directed industries using coal and other such fuels, hot mix plants et cetera to remain closed till November 15, news agency ANI reported. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the AAP-led Delhi government to provide data on pollution levels in the national capital from the date on which the odd-even scheme commenced till November 14. A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Deepak Gupta issued a notice to the Delhi government on a petition challenging the odd-even rationing scheme formulated by it. The top court also asked the city government and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to provide data on the air quality index (AQI) from October 1 to December 31 of last year. Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority has issued recommendations for Delhi NCR, Schools should remain closed for next 2 days and industries using coal and other such fuels, hot mix plants etc should remain closed till 15th. #AirQuality pic.twitter.com/vs7RBwhEYO — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2019 × Cooler temperatures and lighter wind trapped heavy smog over the Indian capital on Wednesday, pushing pollution to "severe" levels in many places with no immediate relief in sight, government agencies said. The overall air quality index (AQI) in the city was 494, according to the monitoring agency SAFAR. The index measures the levels of airborne PM 2.5 - particles that can reach deep into the lungs. Anything above 60 is considered unhealthy. With the cool season setting in, the city was likely to suffer for weeks, news agency Reuters reported. "Now that it is getting colder, air is not rising high enough to disperse pollutants. The whole trapping is happening close to the ground," said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, an executive director at Centre for Science and Environment, a Delhi-based research and advocacy organisation. The Central Pollution Control Board said pollution levels had touched 500 in some parts of the city, meaning danger for healthy people, not just those suffering from existing conditions. Farmers burning stubble in their fields in areas around the city have been generating clouds of acrid smoke, SAFAR said, and the smog could get even worse. "No sudden recovery is expected under this condition at least for the next two days and AQI is likely to deteriorate further," it said. (With inputs from agencies)

As air pollution soars in Delhi, schools to remain shut for two days 

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