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Pakistan has invited spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, which connects Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab.

"The opening of the Kartarpur Corridor and promotion of religious tourism also coincides with your objective of Violence-Free World," the invitation letter sent to Ravi Shankar read.

The Kartarpur Corridor is set to open on Saturday and both countries are set to hold ceremonies to mark the occasion.

The three-km corridor will allow Sikh pilgrims direct access to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev passed away in 1539.

The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib.

The inauguration ceremony for the Corridor on the Indian side will also be held on Saturday.

The foundation stone for the Kartarpur Corridor was laid on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Two days later the foundation stone was laid on the Pakistani side. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan has invited spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, which connects Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab.

Pakistan has invited spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, which connects Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab. "The opening of the Kartarpur Corridor and promotion of religious tourism also coincides with your objective of Violence-Free World," the invitation letter sent to Ravi Shankar read. The Kartarpur Corridor is set to open on Saturday and both countries are set to hold ceremonies to mark the occasion. The three-km corridor will allow Sikh pilgrims direct access to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev passed away in 1539. The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib. The inauguration ceremony for the Corridor on the Indian side will also be held on Saturday. The foundation stone for the Kartarpur Corridor was laid on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Two days later the foundation stone was laid on the Pakistani side.

Pakistan invites Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for Kartapur Corridor inauguration

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Describing Lal Krishna Advani as a 'statesman', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his birthday greetings to the BJP stalwart on his 92nd birthday and said that India will always cherish his exceptional contribution towards empowering the people of the country.

In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister lauded Advani for his contributions to BJP party.

"Scholar, statesman and one of the most respected leaders, India will always cherish the exceptional contribution of Shri Lal Krishna Advani Ji towards empowering our citizens. On his birthday, I convey my greetings to respected Advani Ji and pray for his long and healthy life," Modi said.

"Shri LK Advani Ji toiled for decades to give shape and strength to the @BJP4India. If over the years, our party has emerged as a dominant pole of Indian politics, it is because of leaders like Advani Ji and the selfless Karyakartas he groomed for decades," he said in a follow-up tweet.

The Prime Minister said that public service has always been associated with values for Advani and asserted that he has not compromised on the core ideology even once.

"When it came to safeguarding our democracy, he was at the forefront. As a Minister, his administrative skills are universally lauded," Modi said.

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also extended his birthday greetings to Advani and prayed for his good health.

"Warm birthday greetings to senior BJP leader and former Dy PM respected Shri Lal Krishna Advani Ji. I pray for your good health," he tweeted.

Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan hailed Advani as a symbol of integrity in politics.

"I extend my birthday greetings to the revered Shri LK Advani Ji, a symbol of integrity in politics, our guide and source of inspiration. May God give you a healthy and long life. May your affection and blessings always be on us," he tweeted.

Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, Advani served as the Minister of Home Affairs in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government from 1998 to 2004.

He also served as the Deputy Prime Minister under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government from 2002 to 2004.

Advani began his political career as a volunteer of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan - India's second-highest civilian honour.

The BJP stalwart represented from Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency in 1991 and again from 1998 to 2019, before party chief and current Home Minister Amit Shah contested and won from this seat in this year's national elections.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Describing Lal Krishna Advani as a 'statesman', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his birthday greetings to the BJP stalwart on his 92nd birthday and said that India will always cherish his exceptional contribution towards empowering the people of the country.

Describing Lal Krishna Advani as a 'statesman', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his birthday greetings to the BJP stalwart on his 92nd birthday and said that India will always cherish his exceptional contribution towards empowering the people of the country. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister lauded Advani for his contributions to BJP party. "Scholar, statesman and one of the most respected leaders, India will always cherish the exceptional contribution of Shri Lal Krishna Advani Ji towards empowering our citizens. On his birthday, I convey my greetings to respected Advani Ji and pray for his long and healthy life," Modi said. "Shri LK Advani Ji toiled for decades to give shape and strength to the @BJP4India. If over the years, our party has emerged as a dominant pole of Indian politics, it is because of leaders like Advani Ji and the selfless Karyakartas he groomed for decades," he said in a follow-up tweet. The Prime Minister said that public service has always been associated with values for Advani and asserted that he has not compromised on the core ideology even once. "When it came to safeguarding our democracy, he was at the forefront. As a Minister, his administrative skills are universally lauded," Modi said. Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also extended his birthday greetings to Advani and prayed for his good health. "Warm birthday greetings to senior BJP leader and former Dy PM respected Shri Lal Krishna Advani Ji. I pray for your good health," he tweeted. Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan hailed Advani as a symbol of integrity in politics. "I extend my birthday greetings to the revered Shri LK Advani Ji, a symbol of integrity in politics, our guide and source of inspiration. May God give you a healthy and long life. May your affection and blessings always be on us," he tweeted. Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, Advani served as the Minister of Home Affairs in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government from 1998 to 2004. He also served as the Deputy Prime Minister under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government from 2002 to 2004. Advani began his political career as a volunteer of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan - India's second-highest civilian honour. The BJP stalwart represented from Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency in 1991 and again from 1998 to 2019, before party chief and current Home Minister Amit Shah contested and won from this seat in this year's national elections.

India will cherish your exceptional contribution: PM wishes Advani on 92nd birthday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the integrated check post (ICP) of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-charge-20-from-every-pilgrim-on-november-9-260780">Kartarpur Corridor</a> on Saturday, thereby facilitating smooth, visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan.

The ICP is located at Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur, in Punjab. Prior to the inauguration, Modi will pay obeisance at Ber Sahib Gurudwara at Sultanpur Lodhi, Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) tweeted on Friday.

India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of the Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/posters-banning-welcoming-pilgrims-travelling-to-kartarpur-spotted-at-wagah-260895">Posters and banners welcoming pilgrims</a> visiting Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev were spotted at Wagah in Pakistan on Friday.

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Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> shall inaugurate the Integrated Check Post of the Kartarpur Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur in Punjab tomorrow.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1192816850062761995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The pilgrims have been reaching Pakistan via Wagah border to visit the sacred site at Kartarpur which is the birthplace of Guru Nanak.

Separately, the pilgrims will reach the Gurudwara through the Kartarpur corridor which will be inaugurated tomorrow. The corridor will facilitate the smooth passage of pilgrims who are visiting the holy site.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the corridor from the Indian side while Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will open the route on the Pakistan side.

India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of the Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Pakistan government has proposed a charge of $20 from every pilgrim visiting Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, contrary to earlier stand.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the integrated check post (ICP) of the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday, thereby facilitating smooth, visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the integrated check post (ICP) of the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday, thereby facilitating smooth, visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. The ICP is located at Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur, in Punjab. Prior to the inauguration, Modi will pay obeisance at Ber Sahib Gurudwara at Sultanpur Lodhi, Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) tweeted on Friday. India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of the Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev. Posters and banners welcoming pilgrims visiting Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev were spotted at Wagah in Pakistan on Friday. Prime Minister @narendramodi shall inaugurate the Integrated Check Post of the Kartarpur Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur in Punjab tomorrow. — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 8, 2019 × The pilgrims have been reaching Pakistan via Wagah border to visit the sacred site at Kartarpur which is the birthplace of Guru Nanak. Separately, the pilgrims will reach the Gurudwara through the Kartarpur corridor which will be inaugurated tomorrow. The corridor will facilitate the smooth passage of pilgrims who are visiting the holy site. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the corridor from the Indian side while Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will open the route on the Pakistan side. India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of the Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev. Pakistan government has proposed a charge of $20 from every pilgrim visiting Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, contrary to earlier stand. (With inputs from ANI)

PM Modi to inaugurate integrated check post of Kartarpur Corridor tomorrow

Ranong Port of Thailand and port trusts of Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata have inked three Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) to cut down sea travel time by half between the two countries.

The MoUs were signed at the first-ever two-day Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Conclave of Ports, being held at Vishakhapatnam on November 7-8, that aims to provide a platform to strengthen maritime interaction and port-led connectivity initiatives among member countries.

These MOUs will contribute to BIMSTEC`s objective of strengthening connectivity and is a part of India`s Act East Policy, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

"These MOUs will enhance economic partnership by cutting down the sea travel time between India and Thailand from 10 -15 days to 07 days," it read.

India attaches great importance to BIMSTEC which links five countries from South Asia - Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka and two from South-East Asia - Myanmar and Thailand.

The BIMSTEC region brings together 1.67 billion people, equivalent to around 22 per cent of the world population and a combined GDP of USD 3.71 trillion.

Four BIMSTEC summits have been held so far, the last one at Kathmandu in 2018.

The previous summits were held in Bangkok (Thailand) in 2004, New Delhi (India) in 2008, Nay Pyi Taw (Myanmar) in 2014.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Youth Advancement, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh MS Rao, Minister for Industries, Commerce and Information Technology, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh MG&nbsp;Reddy, along with Member of Parliament from Vishakhapatnam MVV&nbsp;Satyanarayana also attended the Conclave.&nbsp;

Ranong Port of Thailand and port trusts of Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata have inked three Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) to cut down sea travel time by half between the two countries.

Ranong Port of Thailand and port trusts of Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata have inked three Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) to cut down sea travel time by half between the two countries. The MoUs were signed at the first-ever two-day Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Conclave of Ports, being held at Vishakhapatnam on November 7-8, that aims to provide a platform to strengthen maritime interaction and port-led connectivity initiatives among member countries. These MOUs will contribute to BIMSTEC`s objective of strengthening connectivity and is a part of India`s Act East Policy, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. "These MOUs will enhance economic partnership by cutting down the sea travel time between India and Thailand from 10 -15 days to 07 days," it read. India attaches great importance to BIMSTEC which links five countries from South Asia - Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka and two from South-East Asia - Myanmar and Thailand. The BIMSTEC region brings together 1.67 billion people, equivalent to around 22 per cent of the world population and a combined GDP of USD 3.71 trillion. Four BIMSTEC summits have been held so far, the last one at Kathmandu in 2018. The previous summits were held in Bangkok (Thailand) in 2004, New Delhi (India) in 2008, Nay Pyi Taw (Myanmar) in 2014. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Youth Advancement, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh MS Rao, Minister for Industries, Commerce and Information Technology, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh MG Reddy, along with Member of Parliament from Vishakhapatnam MVV Satyanarayana also attended the Conclave.

Indian, Thai ports sign three MoUs to enhance connectivity

Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray met newly-elected party MLAs at a hotel here early on Friday as uncertainty over the formation of the next government continues to prevail in Maharashtra.

Aditya arrived late on Thursday night at Hotel Rangsharda, where the MLAs are lodged to prevent poaching attempts and left about 1 am on Friday.

The Worli MLA-elect has been projected as the next chief minister by party leaders.

The MLAs will be staying at the hotel for the next two days that are considered very crucial for government formation as the term of the incumbent government ends today.

They were shifted to the hotel after a meeting with Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence "Matoshree".

Shiv Sena, which fought the election with BJP, is not ready to settle for anything less than an equal share in Cabinet portfolios and the Chief Minster's post for 2.5 years.

The BJP has emerged as the single largest party by winning 105 seats in the recently held Assembly polls. The Shiv Sena got 56 seats in the 288-member Assembly.

Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray met newly-elected party MLAs at a hotel here early on Friday as uncertainty over the formation of the next government continues to prevail in Maharashtra.

Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray met newly-elected party MLAs at a hotel here early on Friday as uncertainty over the formation of the next government continues to prevail in Maharashtra. Aditya arrived late on Thursday night at Hotel Rangsharda, where the MLAs are lodged to prevent poaching attempts and left about 1 am on Friday. The Worli MLA-elect has been projected as the next chief minister by party leaders. The MLAs will be staying at the hotel for the next two days that are considered very crucial for government formation as the term of the incumbent government ends today. They were shifted to the hotel after a meeting with Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence "Matoshree". Shiv Sena, which fought the election with BJP, is not ready to settle for anything less than an equal share in Cabinet portfolios and the Chief Minster's post for 2.5 years. The BJP has emerged as the single largest party by winning 105 seats in the recently held Assembly polls. The Shiv Sena got 56 seats in the 288-member Assembly.

Aditya Thackeray meets Shiv Sena MLAs as uncertainty continues over government formation

Two IPS officers have been transferred on the Delhi High Court`s direction in the aftermath of the clash between Police and lawyers at Tis Hazari Court Complex here.

Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), North, Sanjay Singh has been transferred to the licensing and transport department as Special Commissioner of Police, while Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Harender Kumar Singh has been appointed DCP, Railways, according to an order by the Delhi Government.

Dinesh Kumar Gupta, who is DCP Railways, will take charge as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), the order said.

As many as eight lawyers and about 20 policemen including Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), two Station House Officers (SHOs) sustained injuries in the clash on Saturday.

The high court took Suo moto cognizance of the matter on Sunday and directed Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik to transfer two officers while directing him not to take any coercive action against any lawyer.

Two IPS officers have been transferred on the Delhi High Court`s direction in the aftermath of the clash between Police and lawyers at Tis Hazari Court Complex here.

Two IPS officers have been transferred on the Delhi High Court`s direction in the aftermath of the clash between Police and lawyers at Tis Hazari Court Complex here. Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), North, Sanjay Singh has been transferred to the licensing and transport department as Special Commissioner of Police, while Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Harender Kumar Singh has been appointed DCP, Railways, according to an order by the Delhi Government. Dinesh Kumar Gupta, who is DCP Railways, will take charge as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), the order said. As many as eight lawyers and about 20 policemen including Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), two Station House Officers (SHOs) sustained injuries in the clash on Saturday. The high court took Suo moto cognizance of the matter on Sunday and directed Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik to transfer two officers while directing him not to take any coercive action against any lawyer.

Tis Hazari clash: Two IPS officers transferred on Delhi High Court direction

Ahead of Jharkhand Assembly elections, three major opposition parties -- Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janta Dal have forged pre-poll alliance.

The formal announcement of the alliance will be made on Friday in Ranchi where JMM Chief Hemant Soren and AICC in-charge of Jharkhand are scheduled to address a joint press conference.

Interestingly Babu Lal Marandi's Jharkhand Vikas Morcha could not make it to the alliance formed by the opposition parties to contest against the ruling BJP in Jharkhand.

In the recent Lok Sabha polls, his party was a part of the grand-alliance.

According to the sources,&nbsp;the JMM, who was promised by the Congress Party that it will be given a major chunk of seat share to contest in Assembly polls, will be getting more than 50 per cent of total assembly seats.

The Congress party which got major share in the last Lok Sabha polls will be fighting on 28-30 assembly seats.

However, it is yet to be decided whether there will be any chief minister face from the alliance or not.

The 81-member Jharkhand assembly is set to go for a five-phased election from November 30 to December 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 23. 
&nbsp;

Ahead of Jharkhand Assembly elections, three major opposition parties -- Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janta Dal have forged pre-poll alliance.

Ahead of Jharkhand Assembly elections, three major opposition parties -- Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janta Dal have forged pre-poll alliance. The formal announcement of the alliance will be made on Friday in Ranchi where JMM Chief Hemant Soren and AICC in-charge of Jharkhand are scheduled to address a joint press conference. Interestingly Babu Lal Marandi's Jharkhand Vikas Morcha could not make it to the alliance formed by the opposition parties to contest against the ruling BJP in Jharkhand. In the recent Lok Sabha polls, his party was a part of the grand-alliance. According to the sources, the JMM, who was promised by the Congress Party that it will be given a major chunk of seat share to contest in Assembly polls, will be getting more than 50 per cent of total assembly seats. The Congress party which got major share in the last Lok Sabha polls will be fighting on 28-30 assembly seats. However, it is yet to be decided whether there will be any chief minister face from the alliance or not. The 81-member Jharkhand assembly is set to go for a five-phased election from November 30 to December 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 23.

Congress, JMM and RJD seal deal for Jharkhand Assembly Polls

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and other senior state party leaders on Thursday met BJP president Amit Shah at his residence here to finalise the list of candidates for the upcoming assembly elections.

Apart from Das, the meeting was attended by Jharkhand BJP president Laxman Gilua, election in-charge O P Mathur and election co-in-charge Ram Vichar Netam along with the Union Minister from the state Arjun Munda.

The meeting, which began around 6 pm, concluded in the early hours of Friday.

Ahead of the scheduled meeting with Shah, senior party leaders had managed to bring down the number of prospective candidates on each seat from 15 to five.

"We can't go unprepared. Even if we have brought down the candidates to 15 to 5 or 10 to 4, Adhyaksh Ji would be sitting there with his data on every seat. There is no scope of pushing one's candidacy without merit," a senior BJP leader said.

Earlier, in the day, a core group had met for deliberations on the candidates. Several MPs were also invited for the same.

A senior party leader said that names from workers from each Mandal and district and Members of Parliament were considered while shortlisting the names.

The 81-member Jharkhand assembly is set to go for a five-phased election from November 30 to December 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 23.&nbsp;

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and other senior state party leaders on Thursday met BJP president Amit Shah at his residence here to finalise the list of candidates for the upcoming assembly elections.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and other senior state party leaders on Thursday met BJP president Amit Shah at his residence here to finalise the list of candidates for the upcoming assembly elections. Apart from Das, the meeting was attended by Jharkhand BJP president Laxman Gilua, election in-charge O P Mathur and election co-in-charge Ram Vichar Netam along with the Union Minister from the state Arjun Munda. The meeting, which began around 6 pm, concluded in the early hours of Friday. Ahead of the scheduled meeting with Shah, senior party leaders had managed to bring down the number of prospective candidates on each seat from 15 to five. "We can't go unprepared. Even if we have brought down the candidates to 15 to 5 or 10 to 4, Adhyaksh Ji would be sitting there with his data on every seat. There is no scope of pushing one's candidacy without merit," a senior BJP leader said. Earlier, in the day, a core group had met for deliberations on the candidates. Several MPs were also invited for the same. A senior party leader said that names from workers from each Mandal and district and Members of Parliament were considered while shortlisting the names. The 81-member Jharkhand assembly is set to go for a five-phased election from November 30 to December 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 23.

Jharkhand CM meets Amit Shah to finalise candidates for Assembly polls

The CBI has clarified that the Red Corner Notice (RCN) against fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's brother Nehal Deepak Modi is valid and visible to all member countries.

"As per media query related to the Red Notice against Nehal Deepak Modi, it is clarified that the Interpol Secretariat General (IPSG), Lyon on 02.10.2019 informed that the Notice remains valid and visible to all member countries," CBI said.

The Interpol had in September issued a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Nehal Deepak Modi in connection with a money laundering case.

Forty-year-old Nehal was born in Belgium and is now under the scanner in connection with the case.

Nirav Modi is the prime accused in Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case.

He had fled the country in January last year before the scam came to light.

He was, however, arrested by Scotland Yard and is in jail since then. His judicial custody ends on September 19.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The CBI has clarified that the Red Corner Notice (RCN) against fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's brother Nehal Deepak Modi is valid and visible to all member countries.

The CBI has clarified that the Red Corner Notice (RCN) against fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's brother Nehal Deepak Modi is valid and visible to all member countries. "As per media query related to the Red Notice against Nehal Deepak Modi, it is clarified that the Interpol Secretariat General (IPSG), Lyon on 02.10.2019 informed that the Notice remains valid and visible to all member countries," CBI said. The Interpol had in September issued a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Nehal Deepak Modi in connection with a money laundering case. Forty-year-old Nehal was born in Belgium and is now under the scanner in connection with the case. Nirav Modi is the prime accused in Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case. He had fled the country in January last year before the scam came to light. He was, however, arrested by Scotland Yard and is in jail since then. His judicial custody ends on September 19.

Red Corner Notice against Nirav Modi's brother remains valid: CBI

Devendra Fadnavis has resigned as the Maharashtra chief minister, a day before the current state assembly term ends. He has been asked to continue as the caretaker chief minister.

After nearly a fortnight's impasse over the formation of a new government in India's third-largest state Maharashtra. The BJP and the Shiv Sena haven't progressed further on staking claim to form a new government.&nbsp;

This may lead the state towards the President's rule if none of the parties is unable to elect a leader as chief minister before the assembly is dissolved on November 9.

The BJP and the Shiv Sena have won the state election together as an alliance, but, the post-election political manoeuvering by the Shiv Sena has plunged Maharashtra into uncertainty.

Fighting for the chief minister's job, the Shiv Sena wants a policy of rotation, but the BJP doesn't.

People gave the BJP and Shiv Sena alliance a clear majority of 161 seats in the 288-member house.&nbsp;

The other alliance, of the NCP-Congress, got only 98 seats.

The role of The Governor of Maharashtra &nbsp;Bhagat Singh Koshyari has become crucial.

He has asked Devendra Fadnavis to continue as caretaker cm for fifteen days.

The governor also has the options to invite the largest single party, or an alliance to form the government.

The Shiv Sena has been accusing the BJP of deliberately pushing Maharashtra towards president’s rule.

The Shiv Sena has said that it has the numbers through alternative options to form the government in Maharashtra.

Devendra Fadnavis has resigned as the Maharashtra chief minister, a day before the current state assembly term ends. He has been asked to continue as the caretaker chief minister.

Devendra Fadnavis has resigned as the Maharashtra chief minister, a day before the current state assembly term ends. He has been asked to continue as the caretaker chief minister. After nearly a fortnight's impasse over the formation of a new government in India's third-largest state Maharashtra. The BJP and the Shiv Sena haven't progressed further on staking claim to form a new government. This may lead the state towards the President's rule if none of the parties is unable to elect a leader as chief minister before the assembly is dissolved on November 9. The BJP and the Shiv Sena have won the state election together as an alliance, but, the post-election political manoeuvering by the Shiv Sena has plunged Maharashtra into uncertainty. Fighting for the chief minister's job, the Shiv Sena wants a policy of rotation, but the BJP doesn't. People gave the BJP and Shiv Sena alliance a clear majority of 161 seats in the 288-member house. The other alliance, of the NCP-Congress, got only 98 seats. The role of The Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari has become crucial. He has asked Devendra Fadnavis to continue as caretaker cm for fifteen days. The governor also has the options to invite the largest single party, or an alliance to form the government. The Shiv Sena has been accusing the BJP of deliberately pushing Maharashtra towards president’s rule. The Shiv Sena has said that it has the numbers through alternative options to form the government in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra government formation: Situation hints towards President's rule

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday flagged off 100 standard floor buses equipped with CCTV cameras and panic button under the cluster scheme from Rajghat Bus Depot.

Taking to Twitter, Kejriwal said, "Congratulations Delhi! Today, 100 new buses were flagged off. 3,000 more buses will be on Delhi's roads in a few months. Just like Delhi is known today for its work in the fields of education, health, Delhi will soon be known for its public bus system."

Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot were present at the ceremony.

"Congrats Delhi! Along with CM Arvind Kejriwal &amp; Dy CM M Sisodia flagged off 100 new buses from Rajghat Bus Depot. Supported with CCTV Cameras, Hydraulic Lifts, Panic Buttons - these are new age modern buses for People of Delhi," Gahlot tweeted.

The new buses will operate from the Rani Khera depot, covering various places in the outlying areas of the city.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday flagged off 100 standard floor buses equipped with CCTV cameras and panic button under the cluster scheme from Rajghat Bus Depot.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday flagged off 100 standard floor buses equipped with CCTV cameras and panic button under the cluster scheme from Rajghat Bus Depot. Taking to Twitter, Kejriwal said, "Congratulations Delhi! Today, 100 new buses were flagged off. 3,000 more buses will be on Delhi's roads in a few months. Just like Delhi is known today for its work in the fields of education, health, Delhi will soon be known for its public bus system." Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot were present at the ceremony. "Congrats Delhi! Along with CM Arvind Kejriwal & Dy CM M Sisodia flagged off 100 new buses from Rajghat Bus Depot. Supported with CCTV Cameras, Hydraulic Lifts, Panic Buttons - these are new age modern buses for People of Delhi," Gahlot tweeted. The new buses will operate from the Rani Khera depot, covering various places in the outlying areas of the city.

Kejriwal flags off 100 new buses in Delhi, says 3,000 more to come

The 'EAT-Lancet diet' report made headlines in January.It proposed a universal diet which scientifically targets both human and planetary health.

A recent study shows that the diet would be unaffordable for at least 1.58 billion people.

But before we delve into the study, let's take look at what the eat-lancet universal diet looked like.

The diet recommends people double their intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes.

It also recommends a person to half as much meat and sugar to prevent millions of early deaths.

This could result in cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and preserving land, water and biodiversity.

However, there is one thing that lancet failed to consider while designing the plan — that is, affordability of the diet.

The new study called "The eat-lancet reference diet: A global analysis", published by the lancet global health has made some remarkable revelations.

According to the study, the global median of the proposed diet would cost 2.84 dollars per day.

In Indian currency, this is equivalent to two-hundred rupees per day.

What would this cost mean for households in high-income countries?.

The diet would cost 6.1 per cent of the per-capita income of a household, which is often less than what people spend on food these days.

On the contrary, if we compare it to a low-income country household, it would cost 89.1 per cent of their per capita income, which is, of course, more than what people can spend on food.

Most countries have lower income than the proposed cost of diet, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, West Asia and North Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, where high numbers of the population earn less than the local cost of the eat-lancet diet.

A recent study shows that over 2.5 billion people worldwide suffer from malnutrition.

Given its cost, the universal diet is unlikely to solve the world food supply problems.

The 'EAT-Lancet diet' report made headlines in January.It proposed a universal diet which scientifically targets both human and planetary health. A recent study shows that the diet would be unaffordable for at least 1.

The 'EAT-Lancet diet' report made headlines in January.It proposed a universal diet which scientifically targets both human and planetary health. A recent study shows that the diet would be unaffordable for at least 1.58 billion people. But before we delve into the study, let's take look at what the eat-lancet universal diet looked like. The diet recommends people double their intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. It also recommends a person to half as much meat and sugar to prevent millions of early deaths. This could result in cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and preserving land, water and biodiversity. However, there is one thing that lancet failed to consider while designing the plan — that is, affordability of the diet. The new study called "The eat-lancet reference diet: A global analysis", published by the lancet global health has made some remarkable revelations. According to the study, the global median of the proposed diet would cost 2.84 dollars per day. In Indian currency, this is equivalent to two-hundred rupees per day. What would this cost mean for households in high-income countries?. The diet would cost 6.1 per cent of the per-capita income of a household, which is often less than what people spend on food these days. On the contrary, if we compare it to a low-income country household, it would cost 89.1 per cent of their per capita income, which is, of course, more than what people can spend on food. Most countries have lower income than the proposed cost of diet, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, West Asia and North Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, where high numbers of the population earn less than the local cost of the eat-lancet diet. A recent study shows that over 2.5 billion people worldwide suffer from malnutrition. Given its cost, the universal diet is unlikely to solve the world food supply problems.

Eat-lancet diet unaffordable for 1.58 billion people: Study

The government has withdrawn the Special Protection Group (SPG) cover of Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her children Rahul and Priyanka, and they will now be given Z-plus security by the CRPF, officials said on Friday. Gandhi family to be protected by CRPF now instead of Special Protection Group.

Gandhi family to be protected by CRPF now instead of Special Protection Group

The government has withdrawn the Special Protection Group (SPG) cover of Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her children Rahul and Priyanka, and they will now be given Z-plus security by the CRPF, officials said on Friday.

SPG security withdrawn from the Gandhi family, 'Z+ protection' provided

As India prepares for one of its most important court verdicts of the century, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-gives-up-4000-capf-personnel-to-maintain-law-and-order-before-after-ayodhya-judgement-260061">city of Ayodhya</a> remains on edge. The Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid conflict has remained unresolved since 1992 and the verdict is expected next week.

The Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi has met with the top officials of the Uttar Pradesh government to overlook the situation as the judgment is due before&nbsp;November 17.

Gogoi the State Chief Secretary, the Director-General of Police, and other office-bearers of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/district-magistrate-issues-directives-ahead-of-ayodhya-verdict-259783">state government</a>. He reviewed the security preparedness and possible implications ahead of the crucial judgment.

The 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict ordered trifurcation of the land, but the stakeholders appealed against it at the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

As the date of the final verdict nears, the central and state governments have started to make full preparations for only the implementation, but also to avoid any potential conflict in the city.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said that unnecessary controversy on the issue should be avoided at all costs.

The authorities are also making special efforts to curb the propagation of fake news on social media websites. In view of this, the state government has deployed 16,000 volunteers to maintain peace.

Additionally, four security zones have been created in Ayodhya. These zones have been colour coded into red, yellow, green, and blue zones. The red and yellow zones will be manned by the paramilitary, while the blue and green zones will be manned by the local police.

The colours also reflect the intensity of potential hazards. For instance, the red zone covers the disputed site and yellow covers five kilometres outside of it.

To avoid any scope of conflict, four-thousand paramilitary forces have been deployed in the holy city.

Watch: India braces for Ayodhya judgment

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-braces-for-ayodhya-judgment-heavy-security-deployment-in-ayodhya-260674/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Home Ministry has issued an advisory to state governments to ensure that law and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/everyone-should-respect-supreme-court-verdict-in-ayodhya-case-yogi-adityanath-258896">order is maintained throughout the country</a>.

The police have sealed off the roads leading to the sensitive Ram Kot area.

Even the Indian Railways, which is a major artery of transportation in India, is bracing itself for the verdict through preparation measures.

Some railway staff have been called back from their holidays, and their leaves have been annulled. Additionally, 80 major railway stations have been identified as nerve centres and will remain on high alert.

To top it all off, until the end of December, any assembly of more than four people will not be allowed in Ayodhya.

Political organisations across the country are appealing their followers to remain calm and maintain peace in the aftermath of the verdict. Furthermore, it is being ensured that the verdict is neither celebrated nor do protests break out against it in the country.

During the 2010 verdict, Mayawati’s government in Uttar Pradesh ensured that even flower and music shops remained closed after the verdict was pronounced.

Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will retire on November 17 and the judgment will come any day before his retirement.

As India prepares for one of its most important court verdicts of the century, the city of Ayodhya remains on edge. The Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid conflict has remained unresolved since 1992 and the verdict is expected next week.

As India prepares for one of its most important court verdicts of the century, the city of Ayodhya remains on edge. The Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid conflict has remained unresolved since 1992 and the verdict is expected next week. The Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi has met with the top officials of the Uttar Pradesh government to overlook the situation as the judgment is due before November 17. Gogoi the State Chief Secretary, the Director-General of Police, and other office-bearers of the state government. He reviewed the security preparedness and possible implications ahead of the crucial judgment. The 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict ordered trifurcation of the land, but the stakeholders appealed against it at the Supreme Court. As the date of the final verdict nears, the central and state governments have started to make full preparations for only the implementation, but also to avoid any potential conflict in the city. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said that unnecessary controversy on the issue should be avoided at all costs. The authorities are also making special efforts to curb the propagation of fake news on social media websites. In view of this, the state government has deployed 16,000 volunteers to maintain peace. Additionally, four security zones have been created in Ayodhya. These zones have been colour coded into red, yellow, green, and blue zones. The red and yellow zones will be manned by the paramilitary, while the blue and green zones will be manned by the local police. The colours also reflect the intensity of potential hazards. For instance, the red zone covers the disputed site and yellow covers five kilometres outside of it. To avoid any scope of conflict, four-thousand paramilitary forces have been deployed in the holy city. Watch: India braces for Ayodhya judgment The Home Ministry has issued an advisory to state governments to ensure that law and order is maintained throughout the country. The police have sealed off the roads leading to the sensitive Ram Kot area. Even the Indian Railways, which is a major artery of transportation in India, is bracing itself for the verdict through preparation measures. Some railway staff have been called back from their holidays, and their leaves have been annulled. Additionally, 80 major railway stations have been identified as nerve centres and will remain on high alert. To top it all off, until the end of December, any assembly of more than four people will not be allowed in Ayodhya. Political organisations across the country are appealing their followers to remain calm and maintain peace in the aftermath of the verdict. Furthermore, it is being ensured that the verdict is neither celebrated nor do protests break out against it in the country. During the 2010 verdict, Mayawati’s government in Uttar Pradesh ensured that even flower and music shops remained closed after the verdict was pronounced. Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will retire on November 17 and the judgment will come any day before his retirement.

Parties appeal followers to maintain peace ahead of Ayodhya verdict, UP deploys 4,000 paramilitary forces

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis resigned as the CM of Maharashtra on Friday.&nbsp;Fadnavis submitted his resignation to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at the latter's residence Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.&nbsp;

Fadnavis will, however, be the caretaker CM of Maharashtra till the next government is not formed. He is not entitled to take any governance-related decision.

Addressing a press conference after his resignation, Fadnavis again claimed that it was never decided that for 2.5 years each the CM post will be shared. "There was never a decision on this issue. Even Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari said this was never decided," Fadnavis said.&nbsp;

On BJP's alliance with Shiv Sena, Fadnavis said that he tried calling Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray but he didn't pick up the call.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, NCP chief Pawar again clarified that BJP and Shiv Sena got the mandate and they should form the government. However, Shiv Sena's senior party Sanjay Raut leader again met Pawar at his residence.&nbsp;

On November 7, Shiv Sena shifted its MLAs to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-power-battle-intensifies-in-maharashtra-shiv-sena-shifts-mla-to-hotel-260615">hotel in Mumbai</a>. Political parties shifting elected members to a hotel or resort is an exercise that is observed in India in recent times to avoid poaching. Reports also appeared that senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari taking over as CM but Gadkari later cleared the air that he is not willing to take that job. Gadkari is also seen as someone to break the impasse between the Sena and BJP.

The state of Maharashtra is facing a political crisis as long-time allies Shiv Sena and BJP have locked horns over the post of CM. Shiv Sena claims that both the parties agreed before the elections on the 50:50 formula where CM's of both the parties will have an equal tenure. However, BJP denies this argument and backs Devendra Fadnavis as CM for next term.&nbsp;

A demand to make <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aaditya-thackeray-will-take-oath-as-maharashtra-cm-claims-his-confidante-260249">Aaditya Thackeray</a>, son of Uddhav, as the CM has also been rising from the Shiv Sena party leaders.

As per the results of the 2019 Assembly elections, BJP is the biggest party by some distance and together with Shiv Sena can form the government but both parties have not able to agree on a power sharing agreement.&nbsp;

(with inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis resigned as the CM of Maharashtra on Friday. Fadnavis submitted his resignation to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at the latter's residence Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis resigned as the CM of Maharashtra on Friday. Fadnavis submitted his resignation to Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at the latter's residence Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. Fadnavis will, however, be the caretaker CM of Maharashtra till the next government is not formed. He is not entitled to take any governance-related decision. Addressing a press conference after his resignation, Fadnavis again claimed that it was never decided that for 2.5 years each the CM post will be shared. "There was never a decision on this issue. Even Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari said this was never decided," Fadnavis said. On BJP's alliance with Shiv Sena, Fadnavis said that he tried calling Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray but he didn't pick up the call. Earlier in the day, NCP chief Pawar again clarified that BJP and Shiv Sena got the mandate and they should form the government. However, Shiv Sena's senior party Sanjay Raut leader again met Pawar at his residence. On November 7, Shiv Sena shifted its MLAs to a hotel in Mumbai. Political parties shifting elected members to a hotel or resort is an exercise that is observed in India in recent times to avoid poaching. Reports also appeared that senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari taking over as CM but Gadkari later cleared the air that he is not willing to take that job. Gadkari is also seen as someone to break the impasse between the Sena and BJP. The state of Maharashtra is facing a political crisis as long-time allies Shiv Sena and BJP have locked horns over the post of CM. Shiv Sena claims that both the parties agreed before the elections on the 50:50 formula where CM's of both the parties will have an equal tenure. However, BJP denies this argument and backs Devendra Fadnavis as CM for next term. A demand to make Aaditya Thackeray, son of Uddhav, as the CM has also been rising from the Shiv Sena party leaders. As per the results of the 2019 Assembly elections, BJP is the biggest party by some distance and together with Shiv Sena can form the government but both parties have not able to agree on a power sharing agreement. (with inputs from ANI)

Devendra Fadnavis resigns as chief minister of Maharashtra

It seems like the IT sector is staring at another major wave of layoffs. With Cognizant planning to layoff as many as 7,000 employees in the next few quarters and similar reports emerging about other IT majors like Infosys and CapGemini, close to 2 per cent of mid-senior level employees might face the axe.&nbsp;

While the year started on a positive note for the sector with a boost in hiring of freshers, the slow growth in the industry and change in technologies has led to a large fleet of obsolete workforce.&nbsp;

While speaking to WION, V Balakrishnan, Former CFO, Infosys, said the development is largely to be blamed on the slow growth and fat middle of companies.&nbsp;

"I think today the growth in the industry is down. We are talking about single-digit growth. When we are talking about that kind of growth, then we should focus on containing costs. On one side customers want value for money, they spend, and on the other hand you have cost structures which is not tuned to the current environment," Balakrishnan said.

"So it is natural for companies to look internally and see how to reduce the fat in the middle. Over a period of time because of the legacy business, companies have built a lot of people in the middle layer. So that middle layer has to be reduced for them to become competitive in the market. So that is what is happening in all IT companies. They are looking at the fat middle and trying to reduce it," he added.&nbsp;

While some companies are attempting to reskill the mid-senior level employees, not everyone can be reskilled. The companies are inevitably letting go of these employees, calling it involuntary attrition, citing poor performance.&nbsp;

"US has largely been successful in migrating to newer technologies. Whereas India has not made the transition as quickly. I sincerely believe this is not a recession of new business opportunities, but that this is a recession of skill sets. Like when the crowd gets old their packages are huge and so productivity comes down. They cannot adapt to newer technologies easily. They naturally become a burden on the institution. For the same cost two-three freshers can be hired and productivity can be increased. Economic scenarios will come into the picture when margins are hit. Obviously when margins are hit companies will look to get more productivity out of its junior employees who can be trained easily," Sudheendra, placement expert, said.&nbsp;

Added to that protectionist policies are forcing Indian IT majors to hire locally for onsite projects. In the recently held analysts meet, Infosys revealed that in the last one year 1,700 freshers were hired in the USA and Europe where salaries form a major part of the company's cost structure.&nbsp;

Although the homegrown IT major say there is no mass layoffs that has been planned, the idea is to correct the current "barrel shape" structure of the offshore pyramid.&nbsp;

"There is an onsite pyramid where most of the costs fly is a top-heavy pyramid. The bottom end of the offshore pyramid is more like a barrel shape and that is something which we intend to correct. One is we are increasing the fresher intake offshore that will broaden the base of the pyramid," said Nilanjan Roy, CFO, Infosys.&nbsp;

But thousands of employees are a worried lot.&nbsp;

Ajay, a techie in Bengaluru with 11 years experience was asked to quit from an IT major recently.&nbsp;

"They said my performance was not good in the last few months. How can that happen in every project? I was doing well. They would pick on petty issues and escalate it and make it seem like we have not done our work. I am the tenth person that I know of who has been asked to leave in this manner," said Ajay.&nbsp;

Anticipating the mass layoffs an IT employee association in Bengaluru has also approached the labour department seeking relief.&nbsp;

"Mass layoffs in any company having more than 100 employees is a violation of Industrial dispute Act, Chapter 5b. So we have approached the labour commissioner and have received a positive response from him. We are taking it forward in that direction. The Act makes it mandatory for any company with more than 100 employees to take permission from the labour department to have mass layoffs," said Ullas, member of Karnataka IT/ITeS Employees Union.&nbsp;

The fear, however, is that the trend is here to stay as it is coupled with the slump in the economy.&nbsp;

Experts feel that no major hiring or job inductions are on the horizon and reskilling is the only way forward.&nbsp;

"Recently the HR from a top IT firm called me and said he needed help removing employees from his company and placing them elsewhere. It is very new and unprecedented. This could become the new norm in India," said Sudheendra.&nbsp;

It seems like the IT sector is staring at another major wave of layoffs. With Cognizant planning to layoff as many as 7,000 employees in the next few quarters and similar reports emerging about other IT majors like Infosys and CapGemini, close to 2 per cent of mid-senior level employees might face the axe.

It seems like the IT sector is staring at another major wave of layoffs. With Cognizant planning to layoff as many as 7,000 employees in the next few quarters and similar reports emerging about other IT majors like Infosys and CapGemini, close to 2 per cent of mid-senior level employees might face the axe. While the year started on a positive note for the sector with a boost in hiring of freshers, the slow growth in the industry and change in technologies has led to a large fleet of obsolete workforce. While speaking to WION, V Balakrishnan, Former CFO, Infosys, said the development is largely to be blamed on the slow growth and fat middle of companies. "I think today the growth in the industry is down. We are talking about single-digit growth. When we are talking about that kind of growth, then we should focus on containing costs. On one side customers want value for money, they spend, and on the other hand you have cost structures which is not tuned to the current environment," Balakrishnan said. "So it is natural for companies to look internally and see how to reduce the fat in the middle. Over a period of time because of the legacy business, companies have built a lot of people in the middle layer. So that middle layer has to be reduced for them to become competitive in the market. So that is what is happening in all IT companies. They are looking at the fat middle and trying to reduce it," he added. While some companies are attempting to reskill the mid-senior level employees, not everyone can be reskilled. The companies are inevitably letting go of these employees, calling it involuntary attrition, citing poor performance. "US has largely been successful in migrating to newer technologies. Whereas India has not made the transition as quickly. I sincerely believe this is not a recession of new business opportunities, but that this is a recession of skill sets. Like when the crowd gets old their packages are huge and so productivity comes down. They cannot adapt to newer technologies easily. They naturally become a burden on the institution. For the same cost two-three freshers can be hired and productivity can be increased. Economic scenarios will come into the picture when margins are hit. Obviously when margins are hit companies will look to get more productivity out of its junior employees who can be trained easily," Sudheendra, placement expert, said. Added to that protectionist policies are forcing Indian IT majors to hire locally for onsite projects. In the recently held analysts meet, Infosys revealed that in the last one year 1,700 freshers were hired in the USA and Europe where salaries form a major part of the company's cost structure. Although the homegrown IT major say there is no mass layoffs that has been planned, the idea is to correct the current "barrel shape" structure of the offshore pyramid. "There is an onsite pyramid where most of the costs fly is a top-heavy pyramid. The bottom end of the offshore pyramid is more like a barrel shape and that is something which we intend to correct. One is we are increasing the fresher intake offshore that will broaden the base of the pyramid," said Nilanjan Roy, CFO, Infosys. But thousands of employees are a worried lot. Ajay, a techie in Bengaluru with 11 years experience was asked to quit from an IT major recently. "They said my performance was not good in the last few months. How can that happen in every project? I was doing well. They would pick on petty issues and escalate it and make it seem like we have not done our work. I am the tenth person that I know of who has been asked to leave in this manner," said Ajay. Anticipating the mass layoffs an IT employee association in Bengaluru has also approached the labour department seeking relief. "Mass layoffs in any company having more than 100 employees is a violation of Industrial dispute Act, Chapter 5b. So we have approached the labour commissioner and have received a positive response from him. We are taking it forward in that direction. The Act makes it mandatory for any company with more than 100 employees to take permission from the labour department to have mass layoffs," said Ullas, member of Karnataka IT/ITeS Employees Union. The fear, however, is that the trend is here to stay as it is coupled with the slump in the economy. Experts feel that no major hiring or job inductions are on the horizon and reskilling is the only way forward. "Recently the HR from a top IT firm called me and said he needed help removing employees from his company and placing them elsewhere. It is very new and unprecedented. This could become the new norm in India," said Sudheendra.

Indian IT sector stares at another wave of major layoffs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the Central government will diligently complete the work of transferring ownership rights to the 40 lakh people living in unauthorised colonies in the national capital.

"The government will complete the work with utmost responsibility," Modi said addressing a gathering of BJP leaders along with Resident Welfare Association (RWA) officeholders and members of unauthorised colonies.

The group had arrived to meet PM Narendra Modi at his residence to thank him for the Cabinet`s decision to give ownership rights to 40 lakh people living in unauthorised colonies in Delhi.

On October 23, the Union Cabinet announced that it had approved regulations for conferring and recognising ownership rights to residents of unauthorised colonies, which would benefit 40 lakh residents of the national capital.

The Cabinet also gave its approval to bringing a Bill in the next session of Parliament to implement the proposal.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar, announcing the move, said that the decision will benefit more than 40 lakh residents of unauthorised colonies spread over around 175 sq km as development and redevelopment can now take place in these colonies resulting in a clean, secure and healthy living environment.

The decision is applicable to 1,797 identified unauthorised colonies that are inhabited by lower-income groups and does not apply to 69 affluent colonies identified by DDA including Sainik Farms, Mahendru Enclave and Anant Ram Dairy.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the Central government will diligently complete the work of transferring ownership rights to the 40 lakh people living in unauthorised colonies in the national capital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the Central government will diligently complete the work of transferring ownership rights to the 40 lakh people living in unauthorised colonies in the national capital. "The government will complete the work with utmost responsibility," Modi said addressing a gathering of BJP leaders along with Resident Welfare Association (RWA) officeholders and members of unauthorised colonies. The group had arrived to meet PM Narendra Modi at his residence to thank him for the Cabinet`s decision to give ownership rights to 40 lakh people living in unauthorised colonies in Delhi. On October 23, the Union Cabinet announced that it had approved regulations for conferring and recognising ownership rights to residents of unauthorised colonies, which would benefit 40 lakh residents of the national capital. The Cabinet also gave its approval to bringing a Bill in the next session of Parliament to implement the proposal. Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar, announcing the move, said that the decision will benefit more than 40 lakh residents of unauthorised colonies spread over around 175 sq km as development and redevelopment can now take place in these colonies resulting in a clean, secure and healthy living environment. The decision is applicable to 1,797 identified unauthorised colonies that are inhabited by lower-income groups and does not apply to 69 affluent colonies identified by DDA including Sainik Farms, Mahendru Enclave and Anant Ram Dairy.

PM Narendra Modi assures on transferring ownership rights to residents of unauthorised colonies in Delhi

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday said that Shiv Sena and BJP have got the mandate and they should form the government and added that the delay in forming the government is affecting the state economically and generally as well.

Pawar comments came even 15 days after the Assembly poll verdict handed Shiv Sena-BJP enough seats to cobble up a coalition government.

The BJP, which won 105 seats, and the Shiv Sena, which bagged 56 seats, are locked in a bitter tussle over sharing of the chief minister's post and ministerial portfolios in the new government.&nbsp;

They won 161 seats together in the 288-member House, much above the halfway mark of 145.

Besides, the opposition NCP won 54 seats while the Congress got 44 seats.

''Shiv Sena and BJP have got the mandate and they should form the government. This is what Ramdas Athawale ji (RPI Chief) and I have discussed and we agreed on this point. Also, the delay in forming the government is affecting the state economically and generally as well,'' Sharad Pawar said.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday said that Shiv Sena and BJP have got the mandate and they should form the government and added that the delay in forming the government is affecting the state economically and generally as well.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday said that Shiv Sena and BJP have got the mandate and they should form the government and added that the delay in forming the government is affecting the state economically and generally as well. Pawar comments came even 15 days after the Assembly poll verdict handed Shiv Sena-BJP enough seats to cobble up a coalition government. The BJP, which won 105 seats, and the Shiv Sena, which bagged 56 seats, are locked in a bitter tussle over sharing of the chief minister's post and ministerial portfolios in the new government. They won 161 seats together in the 288-member House, much above the halfway mark of 145. Besides, the opposition NCP won 54 seats while the Congress got 44 seats. ''Shiv Sena and BJP have got the mandate and they should form the government. This is what Ramdas Athawale ji (RPI Chief) and I have discussed and we agreed on this point. Also, the delay in forming the government is affecting the state economically and generally as well,'' Sharad Pawar said.

Delay in govt formation is affecting state economically: Sharad Pawar

The Indian government to withdraw highest level Special Protection Group (SPG) protection for the Gandhi family (Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra) and the trio will be accorded Z+ security henceforth, reported news agency ANI quoting government sources.&nbsp;

Gandhi family members will be given Z+ security cover by Central Reserve Police Force all over India, ANI added quoting government sources.

The decision was taken after a security review recently, added the sources.

Modi government's decision comes a couple of months after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's security cover was downgraded from the SPG rank to Z+ by the Ministry of Home Affairs.&nbsp;

Manmohan Singh's security cover was downgraded in August 2019.&nbsp;

The security cover has been reviewed as a periodical and professional exercise, based on the threat perception, MHA sources said while downgrading the security of Singh.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Indian government to withdraw highest level Special Protection Group (SPG) protection for the Gandhi family (Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra) and the trio will be accorded Z+ security henceforth, reported news agency ANI quoting government sources.

The Indian government to withdraw highest level Special Protection Group (SPG) protection for the Gandhi family (Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra) and the trio will be accorded Z+ security henceforth, reported news agency ANI quoting government sources. Gandhi family members will be given Z+ security cover by Central Reserve Police Force all over India, ANI added quoting government sources. The decision was taken after a security review recently, added the sources. Modi government's decision comes a couple of months after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's security cover was downgraded from the SPG rank to Z+ by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Manmohan Singh's security cover was downgraded in August 2019. The security cover has been reviewed as a periodical and professional exercise, based on the threat perception, MHA sources said while downgrading the security of Singh.

Government to downgrade Gandhi family's security cover from SPG rank to Z+  

Actor Rajinikanth on Friday said that attempts were being made (including by some media houses) to portray him in the saffron hue, but he would not fall into that trap and it wouldn’t have any impact on him.&nbsp;

His statements came while he was speaking to reporters outside his Poes Garden residence and shared his take on various issues including the raging political debate in Tamil Nadu over the politicisation of the legacy of Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar - a revered sage.&nbsp;

The political tug-of-war began after Tamil Nadu BJP leaders put up posts on social media depicting the sage in saffron robes in an apparent attempt to suggest that he was a Hindu. Traditional pictures of the sage often depict him in white robes.

The incident led Dravidian politicians and members of other faiths contest the claim and state that it amounted to misappropriating Thiruvalluvar's literary and philosophical heritage.&nbsp;

In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi too had quoted Thiruvalluvar- “neer indri amaiyadhu ulagu (the world can’t survive without water)".&nbsp;

Speaking on the issue, Rajini said “Thiruvalluvar is a great saint and belongs to everyone, he is beyond caste and religion. Thiruvalluvar is a God-believer and it is understood if one reads his couplets. The BJP on Twitter had portrayed him in a saffron hue but that is their opinion and they didn’t say that all of Thiruvalluvar’s statues should be in saffron or that holy ash must be smeared.”

Rajini dismissed the political controversy over Thiruvalluvar as ‘silly’ and emphasised the issue did not deserve the kind of attention it was being given. He stated that the issues of the common man are to be focussed upon.&nbsp;

Regarding his meeting with BJP leader Pon Radhakrishnan and the probability of joining the BJP, the actor said, “he didn’t make any offer”.

Responding to a question on the Indian economy, Rajini said that the economic growth was in a very bad state and that the government should do everything that is needed.

When asked about his impending decision to join politics and whether he would continue acting, he responded, “I can join any party, there is nothing wrong in parties asking me to join but they shouldn’t keep depending on me. I am the only one to decide on my political foray. I will keep acting in films until I enter politics. MGR also kept acting till his party won and he became the Chief Minister”.

Rajini added that there was still a vacuum for a talented administrator in Tamil Nadu politics.&nbsp;

The actor had made a mention of “spiritual politics” in the year 2017 when he had announced unifying his fan clubs under the banner ‘Rajini Makkal Mandram”. He had talked about his political debut then.

There have been various instances in the past when Rajini had expressed his appreciation for the Modi government’ and its move such as demonetization, river-interlinking project, scrapping of Article 370, 'One Nation One Poll' policy among others.&nbsp;

Lauding the revocation of special status for Jammu and Kashmir, Rajini hailed the move as ‘fantastic’ and compared the Modi-Shah duo to Arjuna and Krishna, adding that, “we don’t know who is Arjuna and who is Krishna, only they (Modi and Shah) know.”&nbsp;

Actor Rajinikanth on Friday said that attempts were being made (including by some media houses) to portray him in the saffron hue, but he would not fall into that trap and it wouldn’t have any impact on him.

Actor Rajinikanth on Friday said that attempts were being made (including by some media houses) to portray him in the saffron hue, but he would not fall into that trap and it wouldn’t have any impact on him. His statements came while he was speaking to reporters outside his Poes Garden residence and shared his take on various issues including the raging political debate in Tamil Nadu over the politicisation of the legacy of Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar - a revered sage. The political tug-of-war began after Tamil Nadu BJP leaders put up posts on social media depicting the sage in saffron robes in an apparent attempt to suggest that he was a Hindu. Traditional pictures of the sage often depict him in white robes. The incident led Dravidian politicians and members of other faiths contest the claim and state that it amounted to misappropriating Thiruvalluvar's literary and philosophical heritage. In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi too had quoted Thiruvalluvar- “neer indri amaiyadhu ulagu (the world can’t survive without water)". Speaking on the issue, Rajini said “Thiruvalluvar is a great saint and belongs to everyone, he is beyond caste and religion. Thiruvalluvar is a God-believer and it is understood if one reads his couplets. The BJP on Twitter had portrayed him in a saffron hue but that is their opinion and they didn’t say that all of Thiruvalluvar’s statues should be in saffron or that holy ash must be smeared.” Rajini dismissed the political controversy over Thiruvalluvar as ‘silly’ and emphasised the issue did not deserve the kind of attention it was being given. He stated that the issues of the common man are to be focussed upon. Regarding his meeting with BJP leader Pon Radhakrishnan and the probability of joining the BJP, the actor said, “he didn’t make any offer”. Responding to a question on the Indian economy, Rajini said that the economic growth was in a very bad state and that the government should do everything that is needed. When asked about his impending decision to join politics and whether he would continue acting, he responded, “I can join any party, there is nothing wrong in parties asking me to join but they shouldn’t keep depending on me. I am the only one to decide on my political foray. I will keep acting in films until I enter politics. MGR also kept acting till his party won and he became the Chief Minister”. Rajini added that there was still a vacuum for a talented administrator in Tamil Nadu politics. The actor had made a mention of “spiritual politics” in the year 2017 when he had announced unifying his fan clubs under the banner ‘Rajini Makkal Mandram”. He had talked about his political debut then. There have been various instances in the past when Rajini had expressed his appreciation for the Modi government’ and its move such as demonetization, river-interlinking project, scrapping of Article 370, 'One Nation One Poll' policy among others. Lauding the revocation of special status for Jammu and Kashmir, Rajini hailed the move as ‘fantastic’ and compared the Modi-Shah duo to Arjuna and Krishna, adding that, “we don’t know who is Arjuna and who is Krishna, only they (Modi and Shah) know.”

Attempts are being made to smear saffron hue on me, I won't fall for it: Rajinikanth

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Scores of Delhi residents were spotted in India's western resort state of Goa, taking escape vacations away from the city as the air quality in the national capital was declared 'severe plus' over the past week and a public health emergency was announced.

Goa's beaches are often seen occupied by tourists but the tourists had a good fraction of Delhi residents here as seen on Thursday (November 07).

A Delhi resident Vidya said that she felt that she was finally able to breathe after coming to Goa.

Anything above 401 is classified as 'severe'. Air pollution at that level can seriously affect those with existing respiratory illnesses and even those who are otherwise healthy. New Delhi's air quality index, last week, had crossed 500 on the scale and was declared 'severe plus'.

PM 2.5, or tiny particulate matter that is less than 2.5 microns in diameter, are considered particularly dangerous because they lodge deep in the lungs. PM 10 is another pollutant that is inhaled when people breathe through their mouths.

Scores of Delhi residents were spotted in India's western resort state of Goa, taking escape vacations away from the city as the air quality in the national capital was declared 'severe plus' over the past week and a public health emergency was announced.

Scores of Delhi residents were spotted in India's western resort state of Goa, taking escape vacations away from the city as the air quality in the national capital was declared 'severe plus' over the past week and a public health emergency was announced. Goa's beaches are often seen occupied by tourists but the tourists had a good fraction of Delhi residents here as seen on Thursday (November 07). A Delhi resident Vidya said that she felt that she was finally able to breathe after coming to Goa. Anything above 401 is classified as 'severe'. Air pollution at that level can seriously affect those with existing respiratory illnesses and even those who are otherwise healthy. New Delhi's air quality index, last week, had crossed 500 on the scale and was declared 'severe plus'. PM 2.5, or tiny particulate matter that is less than 2.5 microns in diameter, are considered particularly dangerous because they lodge deep in the lungs. PM 10 is another pollutant that is inhaled when people breathe through their mouths.

'I can finally breathe': Delhi residents escape to beaches of Goa away from toxic air

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