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Government Announces A Major Move To Revive India's Real Estate Sector.

Gravitas: Rs. 25,000 cr alternate fund for stalled housing projects

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced that the Union Cabinet had approved a Rs 25,000-crore fund for stalled middle and low-income housing projects.

The government plans to give a boost to the housing market to revive over 1600 stalled housing projects covering 4.58 lakh units.

"A special window will be made, that will be an alternative investment fund (AIF). The government will first fund Rs 10,000 crore. There will be participation from SBI and LIC to place funds. The total funding from the government and SBI and LIC put together is expected to have a starting value at around Rs 25,000 crore," said Finance Minister.

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Addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the fund will provide relief to developers with unfinished projects and ensure delivery of homes to buyers.

The minister said over 1,600 housing projects are stalled and about 4.58 lakh housing units are stuck in it. She said the fund will be set up as a Category-11 AIF (Alternate Investment Fund) debt fund registered with SEBI and would be professionally run.

For the first AIF under the Special Window, it is proposed that SBICAP Ventures Limited shall be engaged to be the Investment Manager. She said State Bank of India, Life Insurance Corporation and other institutions will make further contributions and the corpus of the fund will go beyond Rs 25,000 crore.

"The government is giving Rs 10,000 crores. We have spoken with SBI and LIC so on which together will also put money. I think it will touch Rs 25,000 crores. There are a lot of sovereign funds which have expressed their interests to come into it. Gradually, we will keep adding to AIF corpus," she said.

The minister said that the money will be put into an escrow account to fund incomplete housing projects.

"For these incomplete projects, we will put money into an escrow account. Those incomplete projects registered with RERA will get funded for the last finishing projects after assessing their net worth if it is positive. The money will be given in stages. So, people will not have to worry about projects getting completed or not," she said.

Sitharaman announced that those projects which are declared NPAs (non-performing assets) can also get benefit under the new scheme.

"If the project is declared NPA even then they can get benefit from this. Earlier, we came up with two conditions- those who are under NPAs and NCLT can benefit. In NCLT, if the project is not declared as liquidation worth, they are eligible to come under the scheme," she said.

The minister said the move will help relieve financial stress faced by a large number of middle-class homebuyers who have invested their hard-earned money in housing projects.

"The main intention is to complete the stalled projects in the affordable and middle-income housing category," she said.

Sitharaman also said that the Investment Manager will be responsible to ensure that the funds are used only for construction through appropriate safeguards mandated by RERA and also through the deployment of external project monitoring agencies.

She said the creation of a special window for housing projects would revive the real estate sector and generate considerable employment.

An official release said the Special Window will provide last-mile funding to projects whose net-worth is positive, affordable and middle-income housing project and ongoing projects registered with RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act).

The Special Window will also cover projects that are classified as NPA or where NCLT proceedings have already started, but the project meets the other eligibility criteria.

The release said that the decision is aimed to restore trust between buyers and developers and boost the sentiments of the housing sector as a whole and release a large number of funds stuck in these projects for productive use in the economy.

"Besides, the revival of the sector will also lead to the demand of cement, iron and steel industries giving further impetus to generate more employment. This initiative will have a positive effect in releasing stress in other major sectors of the Indian economy as well," it said.

The release said that the real estate industry is intrinsically linked with several other industries and growth in the sector will have a positive effect in releasing stress in other major sectors of the Indian economy as well.

"The Special Window is being structured as an AIF to pool investments from other government-related and private investors including public financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds, public and private banks, domestic pension and provident funds, global pension funds and other institutional investors. The fund is therefore expected not only to support the sector but also generate a commercial return for its investors," it said.

Funds created under the Special Window will be set up as priority debt funds.

"A detailed Investment Policy will be laid down to guide the selection of projects to be financed through a detailed due-diligence process that will include legal due-diligence, title due diligence, micro-market analysis and financial analysis. The final decision will be taken by the Investment Committee of each Fund comprising of experienced professionals and industry experts," the release said.

Sitharaman had in September announced that a special window for affordable and middle-income housing will be created which will provide last-mile funding for housing projects which are stressed.

Subsequently, inter-ministerial consultations and several stakeholder consultations were held with the housing industry including housing finance companies, banks, NBFCs, investors, and real estate developers. Problems being faced by homebuyers, developers, lenders, and investors were ascertained that could be addressed through the Special Window, the release said.

(With inputs from ANI)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced that the Union Cabinet had approved a Rs 25,000-crore fund for stalled middle and low-income housing projects.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced that the Union Cabinet had approved a Rs 25,000-crore fund for stalled middle and low-income housing projects. The government plans to give a boost to the housing market to revive over 1600 stalled housing projects covering 4.58 lakh units. "A special window will be made, that will be an alternative investment fund (AIF). The government will first fund Rs 10,000 crore. There will be participation from SBI and LIC to place funds. The total funding from the government and SBI and LIC put together is expected to have a starting value at around Rs 25,000 crore," said Finance Minister. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman holds press conference in Delhi https://t.co/pGY3QmaHx6 — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2019 × Addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the fund will provide relief to developers with unfinished projects and ensure delivery of homes to buyers. The minister said over 1,600 housing projects are stalled and about 4.58 lakh housing units are stuck in it. She said the fund will be set up as a Category-11 AIF (Alternate Investment Fund) debt fund registered with SEBI and would be professionally run. For the first AIF under the Special Window, it is proposed that SBICAP Ventures Limited shall be engaged to be the Investment Manager. She said State Bank of India, Life Insurance Corporation and other institutions will make further contributions and the corpus of the fund will go beyond Rs 25,000 crore. "The government is giving Rs 10,000 crores. We have spoken with SBI and LIC so on which together will also put money. I think it will touch Rs 25,000 crores. There are a lot of sovereign funds which have expressed their interests to come into it. Gradually, we will keep adding to AIF corpus," she said. The minister said that the money will be put into an escrow account to fund incomplete housing projects. "For these incomplete projects, we will put money into an escrow account. Those incomplete projects registered with RERA will get funded for the last finishing projects after assessing their net worth if it is positive. The money will be given in stages. So, people will not have to worry about projects getting completed or not," she said. Sitharaman announced that those projects which are declared NPAs (non-performing assets) can also get benefit under the new scheme. "If the project is declared NPA even then they can get benefit from this. Earlier, we came up with two conditions- those who are under NPAs and NCLT can benefit. In NCLT, if the project is not declared as liquidation worth, they are eligible to come under the scheme," she said. The minister said the move will help relieve financial stress faced by a large number of middle-class homebuyers who have invested their hard-earned money in housing projects. "The main intention is to complete the stalled projects in the affordable and middle-income housing category," she said. Sitharaman also said that the Investment Manager will be responsible to ensure that the funds are used only for construction through appropriate safeguards mandated by RERA and also through the deployment of external project monitoring agencies. She said the creation of a special window for housing projects would revive the real estate sector and generate considerable employment. An official release said the Special Window will provide last-mile funding to projects whose net-worth is positive, affordable and middle-income housing project and ongoing projects registered with RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act). The Special Window will also cover projects that are classified as NPA or where NCLT proceedings have already started, but the project meets the other eligibility criteria. The release said that the decision is aimed to restore trust between buyers and developers and boost the sentiments of the housing sector as a whole and release a large number of funds stuck in these projects for productive use in the economy. "Besides, the revival of the sector will also lead to the demand of cement, iron and steel industries giving further impetus to generate more employment. This initiative will have a positive effect in releasing stress in other major sectors of the Indian economy as well," it said. The release said that the real estate industry is intrinsically linked with several other industries and growth in the sector will have a positive effect in releasing stress in other major sectors of the Indian economy as well. "The Special Window is being structured as an AIF to pool investments from other government-related and private investors including public financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds, public and private banks, domestic pension and provident funds, global pension funds and other institutional investors. The fund is therefore expected not only to support the sector but also generate a commercial return for its investors," it said. Funds created under the Special Window will be set up as priority debt funds. "A detailed Investment Policy will be laid down to guide the selection of projects to be financed through a detailed due-diligence process that will include legal due-diligence, title due diligence, micro-market analysis and financial analysis. The final decision will be taken by the Investment Committee of each Fund comprising of experienced professionals and industry experts," the release said. Sitharaman had in September announced that a special window for affordable and middle-income housing will be created which will provide last-mile funding for housing projects which are stressed. Subsequently, inter-ministerial consultations and several stakeholder consultations were held with the housing industry including housing finance companies, banks, NBFCs, investors, and real estate developers. Problems being faced by homebuyers, developers, lenders, and investors were ascertained that could be addressed through the Special Window, the release said. (With inputs from ANI)

Government announces Rs 25,000 crore stimulus package for ailing real estate sector

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday announced cyclone alert for the Gujarat coast and a yellow message as Cyclone Maha is expected to make landfall on the coast between Devbhumi-Dwarka district and Diu on Thursday.

"The Very Severe Cyclonic storm MAHA over east-central and adjoining west-central the Arabian Sea moved eastwards with a speed of 21 kmph during the past six hours. It is very likely to cross Gujarat coast around Diu as a Cyclonic Storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 70-80 Kmph gusting to 90 Kmph around noon of November 7, 2019," the IMD stated in its weather warning bulletin today.

The cyclone Maha is very likely to intensify into a deep depression during the next 12 hours and into a Cyclonic Storm during the subsequent 24 hours.

It is very likely to move west-northwestwards initially and then north-northwestwards, towards West Bengal and adjoining north Odisha and Bangladesh coasts.

The Indian Air Force has deployed several teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Jamnagar, in wake of the cyclonic storm 'Maha'&nbsp;alert on Tuesday.

Around 140 NDRF personnel have been deployed and nearly eight tonnes of relief material has been put in place.

About 100 more personnel are being sent to Ahmedabad to further spread the rescue and relief operations in the state.

A total of 35 teams were deployed in Gujarat and the Diu district of Union territory Daman and Diu, as per NDRF's Twitter handle.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday announced cyclone alert for the Gujarat coast and a yellow message as Cyclone Maha is expected to make landfall on the coast between Devbhumi-Dwarka district and Diu on Thursday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday announced cyclone alert for the Gujarat coast and a yellow message as Cyclone Maha is expected to make landfall on the coast between Devbhumi-Dwarka district and Diu on Thursday. "The Very Severe Cyclonic storm MAHA over east-central and adjoining west-central the Arabian Sea moved eastwards with a speed of 21 kmph during the past six hours. It is very likely to cross Gujarat coast around Diu as a Cyclonic Storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 70-80 Kmph gusting to 90 Kmph around noon of November 7, 2019," the IMD stated in its weather warning bulletin today. The cyclone Maha is very likely to intensify into a deep depression during the next 12 hours and into a Cyclonic Storm during the subsequent 24 hours. It is very likely to move west-northwestwards initially and then north-northwestwards, towards West Bengal and adjoining north Odisha and Bangladesh coasts. The Indian Air Force has deployed several teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Jamnagar, in wake of the cyclonic storm 'Maha' alert on Tuesday. Around 140 NDRF personnel have been deployed and nearly eight tonnes of relief material has been put in place. About 100 more personnel are being sent to Ahmedabad to further spread the rescue and relief operations in the state. A total of 35 teams were deployed in Gujarat and the Diu district of Union territory Daman and Diu, as per NDRF's Twitter handle.

Severe cyclone Maha to cross Gujarat coast today: IMD

A US State Department report has described the Communist Party of India (Maoist) as the world’s sixth deadliest terror organisation while ranking India as the fourth-worst terrorism-hit country, where 57% terrorist incidents last year were reported from Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K).

In its Country Report on Terrorism 2018 released on Friday, the State Department has blamed Communist Party of India (Maoist) for the killing of 311 people last year in 177 terror incidents even as the Union home ministry data shows there were 240 deaths in 833 violent incidents involving the group in 2018. 
&nbsp; 
It has ranked the Communist Party of India (Maoist) as the deadliest terror organisation globally after the Taliban (Afghanistan), IS or the so-called Islamic State, Al-Shabaab (Africa), Boko Haram (Africa) and the Communist Party of the Philippines. 
&nbsp; 
The report has ranked India as the fourth most terror-hit country globally after Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. It noted that “weaknesses in intelligence and information sharing negatively impacted state and central law enforcement agencies” in countering terror in India. 
&nbsp; 
The report noted that the rapid response capabilities of India’s counter-terrorism unit National Security Guard (NSG) is limited due to its smaller size. 
&nbsp; 
“Despite its rigorous training, NSG’s rapid response capability is somewhat limited, due in part to its small staff relative to India’s large size and the NSG’s limited independent logistics capacity,” said the report.

A US State Department report has described the Communist Party of India (Maoist) as the world’s sixth deadliest terror organisation while ranking India as the fourth-worst terrorism-hit country, where 57% terrorist incidents last year were reported from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

A US State Department report has described the Communist Party of India (Maoist) as the world’s sixth deadliest terror organisation while ranking India as the fourth-worst terrorism-hit country, where 57% terrorist incidents last year were reported from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). In its Country Report on Terrorism 2018 released on Friday, the State Department has blamed Communist Party of India (Maoist) for the killing of 311 people last year in 177 terror incidents even as the Union home ministry data shows there were 240 deaths in 833 violent incidents involving the group in 2018. It has ranked the Communist Party of India (Maoist) as the deadliest terror organisation globally after the Taliban (Afghanistan), IS or the so-called Islamic State, Al-Shabaab (Africa), Boko Haram (Africa) and the Communist Party of the Philippines. The report has ranked India as the fourth most terror-hit country globally after Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. It noted that “weaknesses in intelligence and information sharing negatively impacted state and central law enforcement agencies” in countering terror in India. The report noted that the rapid response capabilities of India’s counter-terrorism unit National Security Guard (NSG) is limited due to its smaller size. “Despite its rigorous training, NSG’s rapid response capability is somewhat limited, due in part to its small staff relative to India’s large size and the NSG’s limited independent logistics capacity,” said the report.

Communist Party of India (Maoist) sixth most dangerous terrorist organisation in the world: US report

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced that the Union Cabinet had approved a Rs 25,000-crore fund for stalled middle and low-income housing projects. The government plans to give a boost to the housing market to revive over 1600 stalled housing projects covering 4.58 lakh units.

Indian govt announces funds to boost the housing sector

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Centre and government of northern states in India over their approach towards curbing&nbsp;pollution.&nbsp;

A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra came down heavily on the chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi on the matters related to stubble burning, construction activities, road dust among factors that contribute towards air pollution.&nbsp;

"You cannot deal with road dust, construction &amp; demolition or garbage dumping. Why are you holding the post?" Justice Mishra told Delhi Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Dev, reports ANI.&nbsp;

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Air Pollution matter in Supreme Court: Justice Mishra asked Delhi Chief Secretary, you cannot deal with road dust, construction &amp; demolition or garbage dumping. Why are you holding the post?
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This is the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-supreme-court-asks-logic-behind-odd-even-scheme-imposes-fine-of-rs-1-lakh-on-violators-of-construction-ban-259884">second time </a>in two days the top court has&nbsp;questioned Delhi's approach towards improving&nbsp;Delhi's toxic air.

"Cars create less pollution. What are you [Delhi]&nbsp;getting from this odd-even? What is the logic behind the odd-even scheme? Banning diesel vehicles we can understand, but what is the point of odd-even scheme," the SC told the Delhi government on Monday.

The governments of Punjab and Haryana were also not sparred on the issue of stubble burning.

"We want immediate action to deal with stubble burning. It seems that there is no coordination among the officers and the state government to deal with this situation," Justice Mishra said to Punjab government, reports ANI. Justice Mishra told Punjab and neighbouring Haryana governments that they have "miserably" failed in performing its duty.&nbsp;

In order to prevent farmers from burning stubble, the SC ordered an incentive of Rs 100 per quintal to small and marginal farmers of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh for handling residue of non-Basmati rice crops.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court also questioned the implementation of the funds coming from World Bank in order to improve infrastructure. "So much of funds have come, where is the concept of a smart city? Why have the roads not improved," Justice Mishra asked.&nbsp;

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Earlier today, Delhi's air quality improved slightly from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-air-quality-improves-but-still-under-very-poor-category-259978">"very poor" to "poor" category</a>. Schools also reopened&nbsp;in the national capital on Wednesday.

Due to the arrival of winter combined with other factors such as stubble burning, bursting of crackers, etc, the national capital and its adjoining areas have been covered in a thick blanket of smog from the past few weeks.

As per a report by WHO, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-complete-halt-to-stubble-burning-around-delhi-260081">14 Indian cities </a>feature in world's 15 most polluted cities. Nearly 10 lakh people die each year in India due to pollution.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Centre and government of northern states in India over their approach towards curbing pollution. A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra came down heavily on the chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi on the matters related to stubble burning, construction activities, road dust among factors that contribute towards air pollution.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Centre and government of northern states in India over their approach towards curbing pollution. A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra came down heavily on the chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi on the matters related to stubble burning, construction activities, road dust among factors that contribute towards air pollution. "You cannot deal with road dust, construction & demolition or garbage dumping. Why are you holding the post?" Justice Mishra told Delhi Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Dev, reports ANI. Air Pollution matter in Supreme Court: Justice Mishra asked Delhi Chief Secretary, you cannot deal with road dust, construction & demolition or garbage dumping. Why are you holding the post? — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2019 × This is the second time in two days the top court has questioned Delhi's approach towards improving Delhi's toxic air. "Cars create less pollution. What are you [Delhi] getting from this odd-even? What is the logic behind the odd-even scheme? Banning diesel vehicles we can understand, but what is the point of odd-even scheme," the SC told the Delhi government on Monday. The governments of Punjab and Haryana were also not sparred on the issue of stubble burning. "We want immediate action to deal with stubble burning. It seems that there is no coordination among the officers and the state government to deal with this situation," Justice Mishra said to Punjab government, reports ANI. Justice Mishra told Punjab and neighbouring Haryana governments that they have "miserably" failed in performing its duty. In order to prevent farmers from burning stubble, the SC ordered an incentive of Rs 100 per quintal to small and marginal farmers of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh for handling residue of non-Basmati rice crops. The Supreme Court also questioned the implementation of the funds coming from World Bank in order to improve infrastructure. "So much of funds have come, where is the concept of a smart city? Why have the roads not improved," Justice Mishra asked. Air Pollution matter in Supreme Court: Justice Mishra says, what is happening to the funds coming from World Bank for better infrastructure and development. So much of funds have come, where is the concept of smart city? Why have the roads not improved? — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2019 × Earlier today, Delhi's air quality improved slightly from "very poor" to "poor" category. Schools also reopened in the national capital on Wednesday. Due to the arrival of winter combined with other factors such as stubble burning, bursting of crackers, etc, the national capital and its adjoining areas have been covered in a thick blanket of smog from the past few weeks. As per a report by WHO, 14 Indian cities feature in world's 15 most polluted cities. Nearly 10 lakh people die each year in India due to pollution.

Supreme Court pulls up Centre, state governments over failure to improve air quality

Assured that Ayodhya verdict will come in the favour of Hindus, the RSS has decided not to press for temples in Mathura and Kashi. Highly placed functionary in the RSS confirmed to WION that RSS does not want immediate polarisation after the Ayodhya verdict.

Thinking within the organization is that since both Kashi and Mathura issues can become legal immediately, there is no point pursuing them as it would lead to hard political posturing and will put pressure on the BJP government at the Centre.

This is a marked departure from the time when slogans like, "Ayodhya abhi jhanki hai, Mathura Kashi baaki hai.” Though Ayodhya remained central to BJP’s political agenda, Kashi and Mathura were also part of popular political imagination in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

The only difference is that the Ayodhya issue was formally adopted by the BJP at the Palampur session in Himachal Pradesh. BJP in the session decided to participate in the Ramjanambhomi Mandir movement which till then was being piloted by VHP, an affiliate of the RSS. The VHP had launched a campaign for the construction of the temple at Ram Janambhomi in 1984.

A senior source within the RSS told WION that RSS does not want the Ayodhya judgment to be seen as either victory or defeat. &nbsp;

“We want this judgment to be seen as justice and nothing more and nothing less,” said a senior functionary. Highly placed functionary also said that the RSS does not want to do hard posturing immediately after the judgment lest it becomes political fodder to be used against them later.

Moreover, since the BJP is in power, the demand for these two issues will strengthen the argument put forward by opposing parties in the Supreme Court that if Ayodhya verdict goes in the favour of those arguing for a temple, then the matter will not end there.

It is for this reason the RSS has started a massive outreach programme even before the Supreme Court's judgement. Friends of RSS have launched a website called www.ayodhyafacts.com which presents the point of view of the RSS on the Ayodhya movement and the history of the site. The website is a compilation of every major aspect of the Ayodhya case and related legal and historical material.

On the other hand, RSS has decided to launch a nationwide campaign on the Indian value system soon after the verdict is delivered. The RSS wants the new campaign to bring together under the rubric of cultural nationalism which is built around the values which emanates from Ramayana and Mahabharata, two epic texts which continue to influence the life of crores of Indians even today. The focus will remain on Indian family values and concept of Bharat.

Assured that Ayodhya verdict will come in the favour of Hindus, the RSS has decided not to press for temples in Mathura and Kashi. Highly placed functionary in the RSS confirmed to WION that RSS does not want immediate polarisation after the Ayodhya verdict.

Assured that Ayodhya verdict will come in the favour of Hindus, the RSS has decided not to press for temples in Mathura and Kashi. Highly placed functionary in the RSS confirmed to WION that RSS does not want immediate polarisation after the Ayodhya verdict. Thinking within the organization is that since both Kashi and Mathura issues can become legal immediately, there is no point pursuing them as it would lead to hard political posturing and will put pressure on the BJP government at the Centre. This is a marked departure from the time when slogans like, "Ayodhya abhi jhanki hai, Mathura Kashi baaki hai.” Though Ayodhya remained central to BJP’s political agenda, Kashi and Mathura were also part of popular political imagination in Uttar Pradesh. The only difference is that the Ayodhya issue was formally adopted by the BJP at the Palampur session in Himachal Pradesh. BJP in the session decided to participate in the Ramjanambhomi Mandir movement which till then was being piloted by VHP, an affiliate of the RSS. The VHP had launched a campaign for the construction of the temple at Ram Janambhomi in 1984. A senior source within the RSS told WION that RSS does not want the Ayodhya judgment to be seen as either victory or defeat. “We want this judgment to be seen as justice and nothing more and nothing less,” said a senior functionary. Highly placed functionary also said that the RSS does not want to do hard posturing immediately after the judgment lest it becomes political fodder to be used against them later. Moreover, since the BJP is in power, the demand for these two issues will strengthen the argument put forward by opposing parties in the Supreme Court that if Ayodhya verdict goes in the favour of those arguing for a temple, then the matter will not end there. It is for this reason the RSS has started a massive outreach programme even before the Supreme Court's judgement. Friends of RSS have launched a website called www.ayodhyafacts.com which presents the point of view of the RSS on the Ayodhya movement and the history of the site. The website is a compilation of every major aspect of the Ayodhya case and related legal and historical material. On the other hand, RSS has decided to launch a nationwide campaign on the Indian value system soon after the verdict is delivered. The RSS wants the new campaign to bring together under the rubric of cultural nationalism which is built around the values which emanates from Ramayana and Mahabharata, two epic texts which continue to influence the life of crores of Indians even today. The focus will remain on Indian family values and concept of Bharat.

RSS not to press for Mathura and Kashi temples issue post Ayodhya verdict

Britain's Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday rejected a new bail application of the fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi.

Nirav Modi is accused of duping Punjab National Bank of more than Rs 13,000 crore. He fled to the United Kingdom in 2018 and was arrested earlier this year.&nbsp;

Judge Emma Arbuthnot rejected his bail application despite Modi’s offer to double security from 2 million pounds to 4 million pounds.&nbsp;

Nirav Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant on March 19 and has been in prison since.

Many bail applications have been posted by Nirav Modi's legal team since his arrest but they were rejected every time as he is deemed a flight risk. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday rejected a new bail application of the fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi. Nirav Modi is accused of duping Punjab National Bank of more than Rs 13,000 crore.

Britain's Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday rejected a new bail application of the fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi. Nirav Modi is accused of duping Punjab National Bank of more than Rs 13,000 crore. He fled to the United Kingdom in 2018 and was arrested earlier this year. Judge Emma Arbuthnot rejected his bail application despite Modi’s offer to double security from 2 million pounds to 4 million pounds. Nirav Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant on March 19 and has been in prison since. Many bail applications have been posted by Nirav Modi's legal team since his arrest but they were rejected every time as he is deemed a flight risk. (With inputs from agencies)

Punjab National Bank fraud Case: British court rejects fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi’s fresh bail application

Before the inauguration ceremony of the Kartarpur Gurudwara corridor, a fresh controversy has erupted after Pakistan released a video welcoming Sikh pilgrims to Kartarpur in which pictures of three slain Khalistani separatists are to be seen.&nbsp;

In the video, posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Major General Shabeg Singh and Amrik Singh Khalsa, all of whom were involved in the failed attempt to separate Indian state Punjab, can be seen. The separatists demanded a separate land for Sikhs by the name of Khalistan. All three separatists were killed by Indian forces in Operation Blue Star in Golden Temple in June 1984.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistans-kartarpur-video-shows-poster-of-khalistanis-260332/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"All this is what I have been warning about since day one, that Pakistan has a hidden agenda here," Punjab CM Amarinder Singh said on the video from Pakistan. However, officials from Pakistan are yet to respond&nbsp;to the video.

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Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Khalistani separatist Jarnail Bhindranwale featured in Pakistan Govt's official video on Kartarpur corridor: All this is what I have been warning about since day one, that Pakistan has a hidden agenda here. <a href="https://t.co/xh5v4jsGle">pic.twitter.com/xh5v4jsGle</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1191985150818578433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The video was released by Pakistan's information and broadcasting ministry.

The video has surfaced days before both India and Pakistan will inaugurate the Kartarpur gurudwara corridor. The Indian side of the corridor will be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on November 8 while the Pakistan PM will open the Pakistani side of the route the very next day.&nbsp;

The Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in Pakistan holds a special significance in the hearts of Sikh pilgrims as their first religious leader, Guru Nanak Dev spent his last 18 years here. The Kartarpur corridor connects Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur (Pakistan) and Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur (India). Last year, both sides agreed to inaugurate this corridor on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Before the inauguration ceremony of the Kartarpur Gurudwara corridor, a fresh controversy has erupted after Pakistan released a video welcoming Sikh pilgrims to Kartarpur in which pictures of three slain Khalistani separatists are to be seen.

Before the inauguration ceremony of the Kartarpur Gurudwara corridor, a fresh controversy has erupted after Pakistan released a video welcoming Sikh pilgrims to Kartarpur in which pictures of three slain Khalistani separatists are to be seen. In the video, posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Major General Shabeg Singh and Amrik Singh Khalsa, all of whom were involved in the failed attempt to separate Indian state Punjab, can be seen. The separatists demanded a separate land for Sikhs by the name of Khalistan. All three separatists were killed by Indian forces in Operation Blue Star in Golden Temple in June 1984. "All this is what I have been warning about since day one, that Pakistan has a hidden agenda here," Punjab CM Amarinder Singh said on the video from Pakistan. However, officials from Pakistan are yet to respond to the video. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Khalistani separatist Jarnail Bhindranwale featured in Pakistan Govt's official video on Kartarpur corridor: All this is what I have been warning about since day one, that Pakistan has a hidden agenda here. pic.twitter.com/xh5v4jsGle — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2019 × The video was released by Pakistan's information and broadcasting ministry. The video has surfaced days before both India and Pakistan will inaugurate the Kartarpur gurudwara corridor. The Indian side of the corridor will be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on November 8 while the Pakistan PM will open the Pakistani side of the route the very next day. The Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in Pakistan holds a special significance in the hearts of Sikh pilgrims as their first religious leader, Guru Nanak Dev spent his last 18 years here. The Kartarpur corridor connects Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur (Pakistan) and Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur (India). Last year, both sides agreed to inaugurate this corridor on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Pakistan releases Kartarpur corridor video featuring Khalistani separatists

WION has learnt that the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was also alerted at the same time (around September 4th) when the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant was informed about the possible malware/virus attack. Some of its computers (used only for internet surfing purposes) were also affected by the malware.&nbsp;

The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant located in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district has been in the news after social media users claimed that some of the facility’s systems were hit by a computer virus/malware.&nbsp;

The first official statement in this regard came from the information officer of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project on October 29.&nbsp;

“Some false information is being propagated on the social media platform electronic and print media with reference to the cyber attack on Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. This is to clarify that Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) and other Indian nuclear power plants control systems are stand-alone and not connected to outside cyber network and internet,” &nbsp;the statement said.&nbsp;

Any cyber-attack on the Nuclear Power Plant Control System is not possible. At present, KKNPP Unit -1 and 2 are operating at 1000MWe and 600MWe respectively without any operational or safety concerns.&nbsp;

However, on the very next day (October 30) the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) issued a press release stating that the identification of malware in NPCIL system is correct.&nbsp;

“The matter was conveyed by CERT-In when it was noticed by them on September 4, 2019. The matter was immediately investigated by DAE specialists. The investigation revealed that the infected PC belonged to a user who was connected to the internet-connected network used for administrative purposes. This is isolated from the critical internal network. The networks are being continuously monitored. The investigation also confirms that the plant systems are not affected,” the release stated.

While there is no official statement from ISRO, WION has learnt that few ISRO computers that were connected to the internet (only for browsing purposes) while being completely isolated from the internal network were only affected. ISRO had taken appropriate action and has been monitoring regularly.&nbsp;

It is also understood that such malware attacks keep happening on all systems that are connected to the internet for web surfing and that cyber-security experts are constantly maintaining a vigil.&nbsp;

WION has learnt that the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was also alerted at the same time (around September 4th) when the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant was informed about the possible malware/virus attack.

WION has learnt that the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was also alerted at the same time (around September 4th) when the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant was informed about the possible malware/virus attack. Some of its computers (used only for internet surfing purposes) were also affected by the malware. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant located in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district has been in the news after social media users claimed that some of the facility’s systems were hit by a computer virus/malware. The first official statement in this regard came from the information officer of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project on October 29. “Some false information is being propagated on the social media platform electronic and print media with reference to the cyber attack on Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. This is to clarify that Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) and other Indian nuclear power plants control systems are stand-alone and not connected to outside cyber network and internet,” the statement said. Any cyber-attack on the Nuclear Power Plant Control System is not possible. At present, KKNPP Unit -1 and 2 are operating at 1000MWe and 600MWe respectively without any operational or safety concerns. However, on the very next day (October 30) the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) issued a press release stating that the identification of malware in NPCIL system is correct. “The matter was conveyed by CERT-In when it was noticed by them on September 4, 2019. The matter was immediately investigated by DAE specialists. The investigation revealed that the infected PC belonged to a user who was connected to the internet-connected network used for administrative purposes. This is isolated from the critical internal network. The networks are being continuously monitored. The investigation also confirms that the plant systems are not affected,” the release stated. While there is no official statement from ISRO, WION has learnt that few ISRO computers that were connected to the internet (only for browsing purposes) while being completely isolated from the internal network were only affected. ISRO had taken appropriate action and has been monitoring regularly. It is also understood that such malware attacks keep happening on all systems that are connected to the internet for web surfing and that cyber-security experts are constantly maintaining a vigil.

Some of ISRO’s computers used for web surfing were affected by malware 

Amid the impasse between BJP and Shiv Sena over government formation in Maharashtra, a close confidante of Aaditya Thackeray, Rahul N Kanal, claimed that the young Shiv Sena leader will take oath as the chief minister at Mumbai's Shivaji Park. "God willingly !!! Waiting to hear these words and see the spectacle again at the same spot where our guiding light left for heavenly aboard and his blessings are with one and all...with the responsibility to serve our beloved Maharashtra!!! God is Great,Jai Hind Jai Maharashtra," tweeted Kanal, who is a core committee member of Shiv Sena's youth wing Yuva Sena.

Along with the post, Kanal posted a picture of the junior Thackeray in his young age along with late party chief Balasaheb Thackeray. Next to the photograph, a message written in Marathi read, "Someday, a voice will echo in Shivaji Park that 'I, grandson of Balasaheb Thackeray swear to God...'"

The 29-year-old Thackeray won from Mumbai's Worli assembly constituency, beating Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) Suresh Mane by a margin of over 67,000 votes. He is the first member of the family in Shiv Sena's history to contest elections. Since then, several posters have surfaced calling for Thackeray to be the next chief minister of the state.

The BJP and Shiv Sena, who are partners in the ruling alliance in Maharashtra, had fought the assembly polls together on October 21. Even after getting the required numbers to form the government, there has been a delay in cobbling up a coalition owing to differences between the two parties on power-sharing.

Shiv Sena has insisted that the two parties had a '50-50'&nbsp;power-sharing agreement before the elections. But Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has 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. The BJP emerged as the single largest party by winning 105 seats while Shiv Sena got 56 in the 288-member state assembly.&nbsp;

Amid the impasse between BJP and Shiv Sena over government formation in Maharashtra, a close confidante of Aaditya Thackeray, Rahul N Kanal, claimed that the young Shiv Sena leader will take oath as the chief minister at Mumbai's Shivaji Park.

Amid the impasse between BJP and Shiv Sena over government formation in Maharashtra, a close confidante of Aaditya Thackeray, Rahul N Kanal, claimed that the young Shiv Sena leader will take oath as the chief minister at Mumbai's Shivaji Park. "God willingly !!! Waiting to hear these words and see the spectacle again at the same spot where our guiding light left for heavenly aboard and his blessings are with one and all...with the responsibility to serve our beloved Maharashtra!!! God is Great,Jai Hind Jai Maharashtra," tweeted Kanal, who is a core committee member of Shiv Sena's youth wing Yuva Sena. Along with the post, Kanal posted a picture of the junior Thackeray in his young age along with late party chief Balasaheb Thackeray. Next to the photograph, a message written in Marathi read, "Someday, a voice will echo in Shivaji Park that 'I, grandson of Balasaheb Thackeray swear to God...'" The 29-year-old Thackeray won from Mumbai's Worli assembly constituency, beating Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) Suresh Mane by a margin of over 67,000 votes. He is the first member of the family in Shiv Sena's history to contest elections. Since then, several posters have surfaced calling for Thackeray to be the next chief minister of the state. The BJP and Shiv Sena, who are partners in the ruling alliance in Maharashtra, had fought the assembly polls together on October 21. Even after getting the required numbers to form the government, there has been a delay in cobbling up a coalition owing to differences between the two parties on power-sharing. Shiv Sena has insisted that the two parties had a '50-50' power-sharing agreement before the elections. But Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has 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. The BJP emerged as the single largest party by winning 105 seats while Shiv Sena got 56 in the 288-member state assembly.

Aaditya Thackeray will take oath as Maharashtra CM, claims his confidante

Reiterating his stance that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has numbers only to sit in Opposition, party Chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday denied the possibility of forging an alliance with Shiv Sena to form the government.

He said that BJP and Shiv Sena have got the mandate and they should form the government."I do not have anything to say yet. BJP and Shiv Sena have got the mandate of people, so they should form the government as soon as possible. Our mandate is to play the role of Opposition," said Sharad Pawar while addressing a press conference here.

"Where is the question of a Shiv Sena-NCP government? They (BJP-Shiv Sena) are together for the last 25 years, today or tomorrow they will come together again," said Pawar.

He also stated that there is only one option, which is that the BJP and Shiv Sena should form the government. "There is no other option other than this to avoid President`s rule," he outlined.

Further lamenting on the plight of farmers in State he said: "Centre should help farmers whose crops have been damaged due to rains. I visited affected areas and feel that farmers must be provided relief. Another issue is of insurance companies not paying farmers for crop damage, the Finance Ministry should intervene in this matter."

On Wednesday morning, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut had met Pawar at his residence elaborating on which Pawar said that it was regarding the upcoming session.

"Sanjay Raut met me today and discussed the upcoming parliament session. There are some issues we discussed on which we can have a similar stand," said Pawar.

As the deadline for government formation in Maharashtra is fast approaching, Shiv-Sena is not ready to settle for any anything less than an equal share of power as Sanjay Raut on Wednesday outrightly denied the possibility of reaching any new settlement with BJP except the one he claims was allegedly agreed upon prior to polls.

The BJP emerged as the single largest party by winning 105 seats while Shiv Sena got 56 in the 288-member state assembly. The results of assembly polls were announced on October 24.&nbsp;

Reiterating his stance that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has numbers only to sit in Opposition, party Chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday denied the possibility of forging an alliance with Shiv Sena to form the government.

Reiterating his stance that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has numbers only to sit in Opposition, party Chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday denied the possibility of forging an alliance with Shiv Sena to form the government. He said that BJP and Shiv Sena have got the mandate and they should form the government."I do not have anything to say yet. BJP and Shiv Sena have got the mandate of people, so they should form the government as soon as possible. Our mandate is to play the role of Opposition," said Sharad Pawar while addressing a press conference here. "Where is the question of a Shiv Sena-NCP government? They (BJP-Shiv Sena) are together for the last 25 years, today or tomorrow they will come together again," said Pawar. He also stated that there is only one option, which is that the BJP and Shiv Sena should form the government. "There is no other option other than this to avoid President`s rule," he outlined. Further lamenting on the plight of farmers in State he said: "Centre should help farmers whose crops have been damaged due to rains. I visited affected areas and feel that farmers must be provided relief. Another issue is of insurance companies not paying farmers for crop damage, the Finance Ministry should intervene in this matter." On Wednesday morning, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut had met Pawar at his residence elaborating on which Pawar said that it was regarding the upcoming session. "Sanjay Raut met me today and discussed the upcoming parliament session. There are some issues we discussed on which we can have a similar stand," said Pawar. As the deadline for government formation in Maharashtra is fast approaching, Shiv-Sena is not ready to settle for any anything less than an equal share of power as Sanjay Raut on Wednesday outrightly denied the possibility of reaching any new settlement with BJP except the one he claims was allegedly agreed upon prior to polls. The BJP emerged as the single largest party by winning 105 seats while Shiv Sena got 56 in the 288-member state assembly. The results of assembly polls were announced on October 24.

Sharad Pawar rules out possibility of alliance with Shiv Sena, says 'our mandate is to sit in Opposition'

Schools reopened on Wednesday after an extended Diwali break due to pollution with a large number of students seen using anti-pollution masks to protect them from health hazard.

While the pollution levels have gradually come down since Sunday, the AQI still remains in the 'poor'&nbsp;category.

Today morning, a major pollutant PM 2.5 is at 279 and PM 10 is at 250, both in 'poor'&nbsp;category in Lodhi Road area, according to Air Quality Index (AQI) data.

Taking cognizance of air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR crossed "hazardous" category, Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority on Friday declared a public health emergency. School holidays for all government and public schools were also declared by the Delhi government and municipal corporations.&nbsp;

Schools reopened on Wednesday after an extended Diwali break due to pollution with a large number of students seen using anti-pollution masks to protect them from health hazard.

Schools reopened on Wednesday after an extended Diwali break due to pollution with a large number of students seen using anti-pollution masks to protect them from health hazard. While the pollution levels have gradually come down since Sunday, the AQI still remains in the 'poor' category. Today morning, a major pollutant PM 2.5 is at 279 and PM 10 is at 250, both in 'poor' category in Lodhi Road area, according to Air Quality Index (AQI) data. Taking cognizance of air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR crossed "hazardous" category, Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority on Friday declared a public health emergency. School holidays for all government and public schools were also declared by the Delhi government and municipal corporations.

After festival and pollution break, schools reopen in Delhi

Kerala government on Tuesday decided to form a committee headed by the chief secretary to look into cases related to sexual exploitation of children under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).

This comes in the wake of the recent acquittal of three accused in a POCSO case which pertains to the deaths of two sisters who were allegedly sexually abused and killed in Walayar town of Palakkad in 2017.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting to discuss POCSO cases and decided to form a committee under chief secretary Tom Jose with the aim to ensure efficient handling of cases and their disposal at the earliest.

Members of the committee will include secretaries of home, education, health, social justice, law, SC/ST development departments. The committee will submit its report to the state government once in two months.

The chief minister said that counseling facilities should be made available for children in all schools and they should be encouraged to speak about any assault, including any incident inside their houses.

Training will be given to counsellors in this regard and an awareness of the law, he said.

Vijayan added that proper sex education should be included in the school syllabus and directed police and excise authorities to ensure that the sale of alcohol and narcotic substances should be strictly prohibited near schools.

Tuesday`s high-level meeting also decided to strengthen the cyber forensic laboratory to help prevent crimes against children.

The chief minister also said that police and social department should work to identify houses where women stay alone (mother and daughters) and such families should be given protection.

Among other points raised in the meeting was about spreading awareness among parents to avoid their children being subjected to any kind of violence.

"Education department should ensure this and the PTA meetings in schools should be used for this. Also, the child welfare officers in every police station must be in regular contact with schools in their area," Vijayan said. He said that more funds will be allowed to set up POCSO courts to dispose of cases at the earliest.

Vijayan said that consideration should be given when children come with complaints and to handle them psychologically.&nbsp;

Kerala government on Tuesday decided to form a committee headed by the chief secretary to look into cases related to sexual exploitation of children under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).

Kerala government on Tuesday decided to form a committee headed by the chief secretary to look into cases related to sexual exploitation of children under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). This comes in the wake of the recent acquittal of three accused in a POCSO case which pertains to the deaths of two sisters who were allegedly sexually abused and killed in Walayar town of Palakkad in 2017. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting to discuss POCSO cases and decided to form a committee under chief secretary Tom Jose with the aim to ensure efficient handling of cases and their disposal at the earliest. Members of the committee will include secretaries of home, education, health, social justice, law, SC/ST development departments. The committee will submit its report to the state government once in two months. The chief minister said that counseling facilities should be made available for children in all schools and they should be encouraged to speak about any assault, including any incident inside their houses. Training will be given to counsellors in this regard and an awareness of the law, he said. Vijayan added that proper sex education should be included in the school syllabus and directed police and excise authorities to ensure that the sale of alcohol and narcotic substances should be strictly prohibited near schools. Tuesday`s high-level meeting also decided to strengthen the cyber forensic laboratory to help prevent crimes against children. The chief minister also said that police and social department should work to identify houses where women stay alone (mother and daughters) and such families should be given protection. Among other points raised in the meeting was about spreading awareness among parents to avoid their children being subjected to any kind of violence. "Education department should ensure this and the PTA meetings in schools should be used for this. Also, the child welfare officers in every police station must be in regular contact with schools in their area," Vijayan said. He said that more funds will be allowed to set up POCSO courts to dispose of cases at the earliest. Vijayan said that consideration should be given when children come with complaints and to handle them psychologically.

Kerala government toughens stance on sexual assualt cases against minors

India is yet to receive a confirmation from Pakistan on a list of prominent Sikh leaders and other dignitaries who are part of the inaugural 'jatha'&nbsp;visiting Gurudwara Darbar Sahib through the Kartarpur corridor on November 9, government sources said on Tuesday.

Sources added that Pakistan has not yet allowed any team from India to visit Kartarpur Sahib in advance to confirm the arrangements made for the inaugural jatha. In addition, the country has unilaterally decided the programme and timing of the pilgrims without taking into account India's inputs in the matter.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said last week that India has shared the list of people visiting the Gurudwara with Pakistan so as to seek visas for them."Pakistan tries to project that it is trying to facilitate Sikh pilgrimage, and we have not heard from them. In fact, we hear that the visas will not be granted. We feel that it is disrespect to the sentiments of Sikh pilgrims, especially on this pious occasion of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak," Kumar had said.

Sources added that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's tweet stating that no passports will be required to undertake the pilgrimage has created confusion among the pilgrims as to what documents they should carry as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries in this regard mentions the requirement of carrying passports.

In addition, no offer has been made by Pakistan to amend the MoU in light of Khan's tweet.

Critical information such as medical facilities available and security arrangements for the pilgrims have also not been shared with India yet. India has all along remained strongly committed to expeditiously realize the Kartarpur corridor on time, keeping in mind the sentiments of the pilgrims.

The construction work on India's side has been completed on time, and New Delhi even agreed to go ahead with the MoU despite Pakistan's insistence on levying a $20 service fee on the pilgrims.

Pakistan's refusal to extend full cooperation with India in the matter is against the spirit of pilgrimage, sources said.

India and Pakistan had signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor on October 24, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

India is yet to receive a confirmation from Pakistan on a list of prominent Sikh leaders and other dignitaries who are part of the inaugural 'jatha' visiting Gurudwara Darbar Sahib through the Kartarpur corridor on November 9, government sources said on Tuesday.

India is yet to receive a confirmation from Pakistan on a list of prominent Sikh leaders and other dignitaries who are part of the inaugural 'jatha' visiting Gurudwara Darbar Sahib through the Kartarpur corridor on November 9, government sources said on Tuesday. Sources added that Pakistan has not yet allowed any team from India to visit Kartarpur Sahib in advance to confirm the arrangements made for the inaugural jatha. In addition, the country has unilaterally decided the programme and timing of the pilgrims without taking into account India's inputs in the matter. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said last week that India has shared the list of people visiting the Gurudwara with Pakistan so as to seek visas for them."Pakistan tries to project that it is trying to facilitate Sikh pilgrimage, and we have not heard from them. In fact, we hear that the visas will not be granted. We feel that it is disrespect to the sentiments of Sikh pilgrims, especially on this pious occasion of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak," Kumar had said. Sources added that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's tweet stating that no passports will be required to undertake the pilgrimage has created confusion among the pilgrims as to what documents they should carry as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries in this regard mentions the requirement of carrying passports. In addition, no offer has been made by Pakistan to amend the MoU in light of Khan's tweet. Critical information such as medical facilities available and security arrangements for the pilgrims have also not been shared with India yet. India has all along remained strongly committed to expeditiously realize the Kartarpur corridor on time, keeping in mind the sentiments of the pilgrims. The construction work on India's side has been completed on time, and New Delhi even agreed to go ahead with the MoU despite Pakistan's insistence on levying a $20 service fee on the pilgrims. Pakistan's refusal to extend full cooperation with India in the matter is against the spirit of pilgrimage, sources said. India and Pakistan had signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor on October 24, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

India yet to receive confirmation from Pakistan on list of inaugural 'jatha' visiting Kartarpur Sahib

As a political slugfest over government formation continues and with the deadline to form the government just around the corner, outgoing Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwan here on Tuesday.

The duo held a closed-door meeting at RSS headquarters here for over an hour late in the night. The meeting bears significance with the tenure of the incumbent Assembly ends on November 8.

BJP and Shiv Sena are engaged in a bitter tug-of-war with the latter refusing to soften stand on its demands for equal sharing of Cabinet portfolios and the chief minster`s tenure of 2.5 years.

However, Fadnavis has 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.

Maharashtra BJP president Chandrakant Patil on Tuesday said that Shiv Sena is yet to give any proposal and that BJP`s doors are "always open" for them.

Leaders in Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have also confirmed that the two parties are trying to chalk out an alternative to keep the BJP out of power in the state.

The BJP emerged as the single largest party by winning 105 seats while Shiv Sena got 56 in the 288-member state assembly. The results of assembly polls were announced on October 24.&nbsp;

As a political slugfest over government formation continues and with the deadline to form the government just around the corner, outgoing Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwan here on Tuesday.

As a political slugfest over government formation continues and with the deadline to form the government just around the corner, outgoing Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwan here on Tuesday. The duo held a closed-door meeting at RSS headquarters here for over an hour late in the night. The meeting bears significance with the tenure of the incumbent Assembly ends on November 8. BJP and Shiv Sena are engaged in a bitter tug-of-war with the latter refusing to soften stand on its demands for equal sharing of Cabinet portfolios and the chief minster`s tenure of 2.5 years. However, Fadnavis has 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. Maharashtra BJP president Chandrakant Patil on Tuesday said that Shiv Sena is yet to give any proposal and that BJP`s doors are "always open" for them. Leaders in Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have also confirmed that the two parties are trying to chalk out an alternative to keep the BJP out of power in the state. The BJP emerged as the single largest party by winning 105 seats while Shiv Sena got 56 in the 288-member state assembly. The results of assembly polls were announced on October 24.

Amid political tug-of-war in Maharashtra, CM Devendra Fadnavis meets RSS chief

To further strengthen its capabilities of hitting enemy targets from submarines, India is planning to test-fire the 3,500 kilometre strike-range K-4 nuclear missile from an underwater platform off the coast of Andhra Pradesh on Friday.

The missile system is being developed by the DRDO for the Arihant class nuclear submarines which are being built by India. These submarines would be the mainstay of India`s nuclear triad.

"As per plans, the DRDO will carry out test-firing of the K-4 nuclear missile from an underwater platform off the Vishakhapatnam coast on Friday. During the trial, the DRDO will test the advanced systems in the missile system," government sources said here.

K-4 is one of the two underwater missiles that are being developed. The other one is the over 700-kilometre strike range BO-5 missile.

It is not yet clear whether the DRDO will test the missile at the full strike range or shorter ranges. However, NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) and marine warnings for long-range missile test have already been issued by India for the planned test-firings.

The K-4 missile test was planned for last month but was postponed.DRDO also plans test-firing of the Agni-3 and BrahMos missiles in the coming few weeks.

Government sources clarified that the test-firing of the K-4 would be done from an underwater pontoon as the missile is still being tested and launch from a submarine would only be done once it is ready for deployment.&nbsp;

To further strengthen its capabilities of hitting enemy targets from submarines, India is planning to test-fire the 3,500 kilometre strike-range K-4 nuclear missile from an underwater platform off the coast of Andhra Pradesh on Friday.

To further strengthen its capabilities of hitting enemy targets from submarines, India is planning to test-fire the 3,500 kilometre strike-range K-4 nuclear missile from an underwater platform off the coast of Andhra Pradesh on Friday. The missile system is being developed by the DRDO for the Arihant class nuclear submarines which are being built by India. These submarines would be the mainstay of India`s nuclear triad. "As per plans, the DRDO will carry out test-firing of the K-4 nuclear missile from an underwater platform off the Vishakhapatnam coast on Friday. During the trial, the DRDO will test the advanced systems in the missile system," government sources said here. K-4 is one of the two underwater missiles that are being developed. The other one is the over 700-kilometre strike range BO-5 missile. It is not yet clear whether the DRDO will test the missile at the full strike range or shorter ranges. However, NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) and marine warnings for long-range missile test have already been issued by India for the planned test-firings. The K-4 missile test was planned for last month but was postponed.DRDO also plans test-firing of the Agni-3 and BrahMos missiles in the coming few weeks. Government sources clarified that the test-firing of the K-4 would be done from an underwater pontoon as the missile is still being tested and launch from a submarine would only be done once it is ready for deployment.

India to test-fire 3,500 kilometre range K-4 nuclear missile

With Delhi-NCR gasping for breath, BJP MLA from Ghaziabad, Nand Kishore Gurjar has penned down a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to direct Indian Air Force to sprinkle water in his constituency with the help of helicopters to settle down dust particles.

In the letter, he wrote, "This is to bring to your notice that in Delhi and its adjoining NCR region Ghaziabad, the air quality index is hovering between 1700-1900. This has created an emergency-like situation in these areas. In these conditions, at present, lakhs of people residing in Delhi-NCR-Loni from the past one week are breathing in the gas chamber and are slowly breathing poisonous air. Due to polluted air, people have fallen prey to heart disease, Asthma, breathlessness, lung infection and eye irritation. The majority of them who are affected are aged people and children."

"In such condition, lakhs of people have faith in our Prime Minister that in this emergency like situation, he will ask Indian Air force to use helicopters and global master aircraft to sprinkle water all over Delhi and NCR. We also believed that you will also seek the help of talented scientists in artificial cloud formation tp reduce air pollution. 16 lakh people of my Loni and crores of people from NCR will be grateful to you," the letter read.

On October 17, Ghaziabad`s Loni (rural area) was placed in the top of the chart of the 108 most polluted cities in the country as per the Central Pollution Control Board`s AQI figures, a day after stringent measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was implemented in the city to tackle the menace of air pollution.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

With Delhi-NCR gasping for breath, BJP MLA from Ghaziabad, Nand Kishore Gurjar has penned down a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to direct Indian Air Force to sprinkle water in his constituency with the help of helicopters to settle down dust particles.

With Delhi-NCR gasping for breath, BJP MLA from Ghaziabad, Nand Kishore Gurjar has penned down a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to direct Indian Air Force to sprinkle water in his constituency with the help of helicopters to settle down dust particles. In the letter, he wrote, "This is to bring to your notice that in Delhi and its adjoining NCR region Ghaziabad, the air quality index is hovering between 1700-1900. This has created an emergency-like situation in these areas. In these conditions, at present, lakhs of people residing in Delhi-NCR-Loni from the past one week are breathing in the gas chamber and are slowly breathing poisonous air. Due to polluted air, people have fallen prey to heart disease, Asthma, breathlessness, lung infection and eye irritation. The majority of them who are affected are aged people and children." "In such condition, lakhs of people have faith in our Prime Minister that in this emergency like situation, he will ask Indian Air force to use helicopters and global master aircraft to sprinkle water all over Delhi and NCR. We also believed that you will also seek the help of talented scientists in artificial cloud formation tp reduce air pollution. 16 lakh people of my Loni and crores of people from NCR will be grateful to you," the letter read. On October 17, Ghaziabad`s Loni (rural area) was placed in the top of the chart of the 108 most polluted cities in the country as per the Central Pollution Control Board`s AQI figures, a day after stringent measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was implemented in the city to tackle the menace of air pollution.

BJP MLA urges PM Narendra Modi to direct IAF to sprinkle water in Delhi NCR 

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said on Tuesday that he was eager to make further progress on trade talks with India and wanted to hear Indian proposals that could lead to the restoration of some trade preferences, reported news agency Reuters.

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said on Tuesday that he was eager to make further progress on trade talks with India and wanted to hear Indian proposals that could lead to the restoration of some trade preferences, reported news agency Reuters. India and US are locked in a trade dispute. "We are eager to make further progress with India on that topic," Ross was quoted as saying to reporters during a visit to Thailand for regional meetings. Trump administration terminated India's preferential trade status under GSP programme in June 2019, removing it from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, but Ross said he was waiting for a proposal from Indian officials to address that. "We're eager to hear it. And hopefully, things can be dealt with. There's nothing irreversible about the GSP decision," he said. GSP is the largest and oldest US trade preference programme and is designed to promote economic development by allowing duty-free entry for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries. (With inputs from Reuters)

US Commerce Secretary Ross says eager to make progress on trade with India

Air quality in Delhi has dipped to severe category and its high time to take urgent action to protect yourself from smog. Watch this episode of WION Wideangle to know about the ways adopted by people in Delhi to tackle the Airpocalypse.

WION Wideangle: Tackling India's Airpocalypse

We have decided to boycott the Chief Minister`s deadline to join back services by November 5 and the strikes will continue, said TSRTC Joint Action Committee President Ashwathama Reddy on Tuesday here.

Speaking to ANI, Reddy said, "We are boycotting Chief Minister K Chandrashekar&nbsp;Rao`s call to join back services before November 5. We are going to protest in front of all RTC depot`s and later on the family members of RTC employees will also participate in the protest.''

"We also request the conductors and drivers who are performing duties with RTC to join us in the protest," he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, the Deputy General Secretary of the Employees Union, Mohammed Ahmed Ali also said that the RTC workers will not return to service without any agreement with the government."The Chief Minister is speaking as if he is a king and wants employees to join back services unconditionally. All the unions have declared that the workers will not join back services without any agreement," he said.

The Telangana Chief Minister`s Office on Monday issued a statement warning the striking TSRTC staff that if they fail to resume duty by the deadline of November 5, the state government will not take them back.

Employees of the TSRTC have been on strike for the past few weeks now.&nbsp; Earlier this week, they intensified their indefinite protest against the sacking of over 40,000 employees by the state government.

During the ongoing protest, a few TSRTC employees have lost their lives either by committing suicide or depressed by the demonstration. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of TSRTC has been on a strike since October 5 demanding merger of the corporation with the state government and revision of pays among other demands.&nbsp;

We have decided to boycott the Chief Minister`s deadline to join back services by November 5 and the strikes will continue, said TSRTC Joint Action Committee President Ashwathama Reddy on Tuesday here.

We have decided to boycott the Chief Minister`s deadline to join back services by November 5 and the strikes will continue, said TSRTC Joint Action Committee President Ashwathama Reddy on Tuesday here. Speaking to ANI, Reddy said, "We are boycotting Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao`s call to join back services before November 5. We are going to protest in front of all RTC depot`s and later on the family members of RTC employees will also participate in the protest.'' "We also request the conductors and drivers who are performing duties with RTC to join us in the protest," he added. Echoing similar sentiments, the Deputy General Secretary of the Employees Union, Mohammed Ahmed Ali also said that the RTC workers will not return to service without any agreement with the government."The Chief Minister is speaking as if he is a king and wants employees to join back services unconditionally. All the unions have declared that the workers will not join back services without any agreement," he said. The Telangana Chief Minister`s Office on Monday issued a statement warning the striking TSRTC staff that if they fail to resume duty by the deadline of November 5, the state government will not take them back. Employees of the TSRTC have been on strike for the past few weeks now. Earlier this week, they intensified their indefinite protest against the sacking of over 40,000 employees by the state government. During the ongoing protest, a few TSRTC employees have lost their lives either by committing suicide or depressed by the demonstration. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of TSRTC has been on a strike since October 5 demanding merger of the corporation with the state government and revision of pays among other demands.

TSRTC workers strike will continue, won't follow CM's deadline, says Joint Action Committee president

The past 24 hours have brought some relief to the people residing in the national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad as the air quality index (AQI) on Tuesday slightly improved from `severe` to `very poor` category in Delhi-NCR, stated the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

At 9 in the morning today, the overall AQI of Delhi docked at 381, which falls in the `very poor` category. The AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the category of poor. While 300-400 is considered as `very poor`, levels between 401-500 fall under the `hazardous category`.At Dhirpur, the AQI was 271 in the morning, while in Mathura Road area it dipped to `poor` category at 236. Furthermore, AQI near Chandni Chowk, Airport, Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 375, 234 and 256 respectively.

Locals especially the middle-aged people complained of breathless and fatigue urged the Delhi government to take requisite measures to combat the menace.

"The pollution is increasing in Delhi. The government must do something. My children are also getting affected," said Pramod Sharma, a local while speaking to ANI.

"The government must roll out a policy so that the vehicles can be reduced on roads. I do cycling every day but now in this pollution, it is getting difficult for me. Things will become worse in the future if some actions are not taken," said Javed Ahmad, another local.

Due to a thick blanket of smog, the visibility in the city also dropped affecting the road traffic at major junctions such as Signature Bridge and Akshardham Temple road.

To curb air pollution, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 till November 15, 2019.

The past 24 hours have brought some relief to the people residing in the national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad as the air quality index (AQI) on Tuesday slightly improved from `severe` to `very poor` category in Delhi-NCR, stated the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

The past 24 hours have brought some relief to the people residing in the national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad as the air quality index (AQI) on Tuesday slightly improved from `severe` to `very poor` category in Delhi-NCR, stated the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). At 9 in the morning today, the overall AQI of Delhi docked at 381, which falls in the `very poor` category. The AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the category of poor. While 300-400 is considered as `very poor`, levels between 401-500 fall under the `hazardous category`.At Dhirpur, the AQI was 271 in the morning, while in Mathura Road area it dipped to `poor` category at 236. Furthermore, AQI near Chandni Chowk, Airport, Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 375, 234 and 256 respectively. Locals especially the middle-aged people complained of breathless and fatigue urged the Delhi government to take requisite measures to combat the menace. "The pollution is increasing in Delhi. The government must do something. My children are also getting affected," said Pramod Sharma, a local while speaking to ANI. "The government must roll out a policy so that the vehicles can be reduced on roads. I do cycling every day but now in this pollution, it is getting difficult for me. Things will become worse in the future if some actions are not taken," said Javed Ahmad, another local. Due to a thick blanket of smog, the visibility in the city also dropped affecting the road traffic at major junctions such as Signature Bridge and Akshardham Temple road. To curb air pollution, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 till November 15, 2019.

Delhi's air quality improves but still under 'very poor' category

A bilateral joint training exercise 'Shakti-2019' between India and France is underway at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges here. 
 
Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) Rajasthan said, "With the aim of achieving inter-operability, a bilateral joint training exercise between India and France, 'Exercise SHAKTI,' is underway at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan, till November 13." 
 
The opening ceremony of the 14-day exercise was held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges here on November 1. 
 
The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability between the two armies and further strengthening the military relations between the two countries. 
 
The opening ceremony saw the unfurling of the national flags of both countries amidst playing of the respective national anthems. 
 
The ceremony also witnessed synchronised marching of troops on martial tunes on au fait words of command of the contingent commanders. This was followed by an evocative speech by Reviewing Officers of both countries.

A bilateral joint training exercise 'Shakti-2019' between India and France is underway at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges here. Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) Rajasthan said, "With the aim of achieving inter-operability, a bilateral joint training exercise between India and France, 'Exercise SHAKTI,' is underway at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan, till November 13.

A bilateral joint training exercise 'Shakti-2019' between India and France is underway at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges here. Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) Rajasthan said, "With the aim of achieving inter-operability, a bilateral joint training exercise between India and France, 'Exercise SHAKTI,' is underway at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan, till November 13." The opening ceremony of the 14-day exercise was held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges here on November 1. The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability between the two armies and further strengthening the military relations between the two countries. The opening ceremony saw the unfurling of the national flags of both countries amidst playing of the respective national anthems. The ceremony also witnessed synchronised marching of troops on martial tunes on au fait words of command of the contingent commanders. This was followed by an evocative speech by Reviewing Officers of both countries.

India-France bilateral training exercise 'Shakti 2019' underway

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conducted searches at around 187 places in various states and Union Territories and has registered around 42 cases of bank frauds involving approximately Rs 7,200 crore. Searches are still in progress. 
 
The searches are being conducted in Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Dadra and Nagar Haveli related to bank fraud cases. 
 
The banks involved (including consortium members) are Andhra Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Indian Overseas Bank, State Bank of India, Allahabad Bank, Canara Bank, Dena Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, Central Bank of India, Union Bank of India, IDBI Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of Maharashtra and Bank of India, read a statement from the CBI. 
 
The places being searched were in Delhi, Gurugram, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Dehradun, Noida, Baramati, Mumbai, Thane, Silvassa, Kalyan, Amritsar, Faridabad, Bengaluru, Tirupur, Chennai, Madurai, Quilon, Cochin, Bhavnagar, Surat, Ahmedabad, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Varanasi, Chandauli, Bhatinda, Gurdaspur, Morena, Kolkata, Patna, Krishna, Hyderabad and Bhopal. 
 
Out of these 42 cases, there are four cases of more than Rs 1000 crore (approximately) and 11 cases of fraud amount of Rs 100 crore (approximately) to Rs 1000 crore (approximately), CBI statement added. 
 
Among the prominent cases registered include - a case against a Malad (East) Mumbai/Bhopal based private company; its five Directors/Additional Director/Guarantors and unknown public servants on the allegations that the accused Directors and Guarantors of the company engaged in bulk trading of agro commodities, in connivance with unknown bank officials and others fraudulently availed credit facilities of Rs. 6000 crore (approximately) from SBI, Bhopal by resorting to falsification of accounts and forgery of documents, such as the bill of lading, falsely showing the movement of goods etc. 
 
During searches, incriminating documents have been recovered so far.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conducted searches at around 187 places in various states and Union Territories and has registered around 42 cases of bank frauds involving approximately Rs 7,200 crore.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conducted searches at around 187 places in various states and Union Territories and has registered around 42 cases of bank frauds involving approximately Rs 7,200 crore. Searches are still in progress. The searches are being conducted in Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Dadra and Nagar Haveli related to bank fraud cases. The banks involved (including consortium members) are Andhra Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Indian Overseas Bank, State Bank of India, Allahabad Bank, Canara Bank, Dena Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, Central Bank of India, Union Bank of India, IDBI Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of Maharashtra and Bank of India, read a statement from the CBI. The places being searched were in Delhi, Gurugram, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Dehradun, Noida, Baramati, Mumbai, Thane, Silvassa, Kalyan, Amritsar, Faridabad, Bengaluru, Tirupur, Chennai, Madurai, Quilon, Cochin, Bhavnagar, Surat, Ahmedabad, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Varanasi, Chandauli, Bhatinda, Gurdaspur, Morena, Kolkata, Patna, Krishna, Hyderabad and Bhopal. Out of these 42 cases, there are four cases of more than Rs 1000 crore (approximately) and 11 cases of fraud amount of Rs 100 crore (approximately) to Rs 1000 crore (approximately), CBI statement added. Among the prominent cases registered include - a case against a Malad (East) Mumbai/Bhopal based private company; its five Directors/Additional Director/Guarantors and unknown public servants on the allegations that the accused Directors and Guarantors of the company engaged in bulk trading of agro commodities, in connivance with unknown bank officials and others fraudulently availed credit facilities of Rs. 6000 crore (approximately) from SBI, Bhopal by resorting to falsification of accounts and forgery of documents, such as the bill of lading, falsely showing the movement of goods etc. During searches, incriminating documents have been recovered so far.

CBI unearths 42 cases of bank fraud after raids at 172 locations

To cut the pollution enveloping Delhi and asphyxiating its 20 million people, India's top court has ordered a complete halt to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-complete-halt-to-stubble-burning-around-delhi-260081">stubble burning</a>. But farmers, who are struggling to make a living, say they have no alternative.

In recent days pollution levels hit their highest point in years as smoke, from farms around the Indian capital, combined with other pollutants to form a noxious mix.

Hospitals saw a rush of patients, schools were closed, construction activity was halted and the authorities claimed they got 1.5 million cars off the roads with an odd-even vehicle registration scheme.

Delhi's chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal,&nbsp;calling the city a "gas chamber",&nbsp;said his government had played its part, and blamed farmers for burning agricultural residue.

But Satnam Singh, a poor farmer in northern Punjab state, says that he has to clear his field ready for the next crop.

"Without <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/action-initiated-in-20729-cases-of-stubble-burning-punjab-cm-259743">burning the stubble</a>, we just cannot sow the wheat in the field," Singh told AFP as clouds of acrid smoke rose up from fields all around.

And even though burning stubble is illegal, enforcement is lax.

Government schemes,&nbsp;such as improving access to machinery that removes the need to burn crop residue,&nbsp;have had little impact.

"All these machinery that people talk about, a regular farmer cannot get these machines. They are very expensive. Which farmer can afford that?" said Singh.

This was echoed by Kabal Singh, another farmer in the same region.

"The farmer has no other option but to burn the crop to prepare the land," he told AFP.

"Farmers don’t know how to diversify the crops on their own. Government has to advise us. If they say these areas should grow maize or these areas should grow Basmati rice, then we can follow that," he said.

To cut the pollution enveloping Delhi and asphyxiating its 20 million people, India's top court has ordered a complete halt to stubble burning. But farmers, who are struggling to make a living, say they have no alternative.

To cut the pollution enveloping Delhi and asphyxiating its 20 million people, India's top court has ordered a complete halt to stubble burning. But farmers, who are struggling to make a living, say they have no alternative. In recent days pollution levels hit their highest point in years as smoke, from farms around the Indian capital, combined with other pollutants to form a noxious mix. Hospitals saw a rush of patients, schools were closed, construction activity was halted and the authorities claimed they got 1.5 million cars off the roads with an odd-even vehicle registration scheme. Delhi's chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, calling the city a "gas chamber", said his government had played its part, and blamed farmers for burning agricultural residue. But Satnam Singh, a poor farmer in northern Punjab state, says that he has to clear his field ready for the next crop. "Without burning the stubble, we just cannot sow the wheat in the field," Singh told AFP as clouds of acrid smoke rose up from fields all around. And even though burning stubble is illegal, enforcement is lax. Government schemes, such as improving access to machinery that removes the need to burn crop residue, have had little impact. "All these machinery that people talk about, a regular farmer cannot get these machines. They are very expensive. Which farmer can afford that?" said Singh. This was echoed by Kabal Singh, another farmer in the same region. "The farmer has no other option but to burn the crop to prepare the land," he told AFP. "Farmers don’t know how to diversify the crops on their own. Government has to advise us. If they say these areas should grow maize or these areas should grow Basmati rice, then we can follow that," he said.

No alternative to burning stubble: Indian farmers amid hazardous pollution in North India

A study quoted by the World Health Organization states that over 65 million people across the globe require a wheelchair for mobility, but higher estimates suggest that only 9.75 million people (most of whom are in higher-income countries) have access to wheelchairs, while an even fewer number have access to appropriate kinds of wheelchairs.&nbsp;

Those that require a wheelchair also face challenges such as lack of awareness, high costs and even low availability of quality products. But the hardships don’t end there, as being seated on a wheelchair for long hours also causes secondary health issues such as poor blood circulation, spasms and pressure sores.&nbsp;

A collaborative effort between IIT Madras and their industry partners aims to help the differently-abled in overcoming most of these challenges. The IIT Madras, in collaboration with Phoenix Medical Systems has launched what they call India’s first indigenously-designed ‘Standing Wheelchair.’ It enables a differently-abled person requiring a wheelchair to shift from sitting to standing position, and vice versa, independently and in a controlled manner.

The standing wheelchair called ‘Arise’ was designed and developed by the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) at IIT-M, headed by Prof Sujatha Srinivasan in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.&nbsp;

The project initially began as a student project and later its commercialisation was made possible through support from Wellcome, UK, through an ‘Affordable Healthcare in India Award', which brought together the research and manufacturing partners. A 16-member team had been working on developing various prototypes over the last four years.

The three-wheeled chair that costs Rs 15,000 comes is four different sizes depending on the body type and can be customised based on posture, while also being mass manufactured. Arise was designed in such a way that the user can actuate it from the sitting position to the standing position and vice versa using the power of the user’s arms. Besides knee pads, front and back support, adjustable footrests, Arise has an interlocking mechanism, which ensures that the wheelchair remains in a locked state if the knee block is not in position.

Speaking at the launch event, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment said, “I have seen a lot of scientific developments in India and abroad over the last 5-6 years, but I haven’t seen such a good standing wheelchair in any country. When such wheelchairs are made in India, why is there a need to import?”

Speaking to WION Dr Sujatha Srinivasan, head of the R2D2 lab said, “The wheelchair has been designed and built in such a way that that effort required for the user to stand using it is equal to or less than that of moving the wheelchair, as we have used a linkage with spring balancing system. We have extensively tested it with over 50 users form various institutions such as Christian Medical College Vellore, Mobility India and St Johns Hospitals”.

Statistics quoted by the WHO say that only one in ten physically challenged people have access to assistive technology, but when they are provided the necessary aid, it could improve their access to education, employment and social participation.&nbsp;

“Currently we have the capability of manufacturing 300-400 wheelchairs per month and our vision is to scale this up to 10,000 per month. We plan to distribute it via dealers who specialise in assistive technology and prosthesis. Our model costs Rs 15,000 while imported standing wheelchairs are priced at over a lakh and beyond. Since most of the parts used by us are bicycle parts, it would be easy to get them replaced when the need arises”, Sashi Kumar, MD of Phoenix medical Systems told WION.&nbsp;

At the event, a few wheelchairs were donated to differently-abled persons who had spinal injuries. The users were delighted on being able to rise up independently for the first time, while the National Anthem was being played.&nbsp;

A study quoted by the World Health Organization states that over 65 million people across the globe require a wheelchair for mobility, but higher estimates suggest that only 9.

A study quoted by the World Health Organization states that over 65 million people across the globe require a wheelchair for mobility, but higher estimates suggest that only 9.75 million people (most of whom are in higher-income countries) have access to wheelchairs, while an even fewer number have access to appropriate kinds of wheelchairs. Those that require a wheelchair also face challenges such as lack of awareness, high costs and even low availability of quality products. But the hardships don’t end there, as being seated on a wheelchair for long hours also causes secondary health issues such as poor blood circulation, spasms and pressure sores. A collaborative effort between IIT Madras and their industry partners aims to help the differently-abled in overcoming most of these challenges. The IIT Madras, in collaboration with Phoenix Medical Systems has launched what they call India’s first indigenously-designed ‘Standing Wheelchair.’ It enables a differently-abled person requiring a wheelchair to shift from sitting to standing position, and vice versa, independently and in a controlled manner. The standing wheelchair called ‘Arise’ was designed and developed by the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) at IIT-M, headed by Prof Sujatha Srinivasan in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The project initially began as a student project and later its commercialisation was made possible through support from Wellcome, UK, through an ‘Affordable Healthcare in India Award', which brought together the research and manufacturing partners. A 16-member team had been working on developing various prototypes over the last four years. The three-wheeled chair that costs Rs 15,000 comes is four different sizes depending on the body type and can be customised based on posture, while also being mass manufactured. Arise was designed in such a way that the user can actuate it from the sitting position to the standing position and vice versa using the power of the user’s arms. Besides knee pads, front and back support, adjustable footrests, Arise has an interlocking mechanism, which ensures that the wheelchair remains in a locked state if the knee block is not in position. Speaking at the launch event, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment said, “I have seen a lot of scientific developments in India and abroad over the last 5-6 years, but I haven’t seen such a good standing wheelchair in any country. When such wheelchairs are made in India, why is there a need to import?” Speaking to WION Dr Sujatha Srinivasan, head of the R2D2 lab said, “The wheelchair has been designed and built in such a way that that effort required for the user to stand using it is equal to or less than that of moving the wheelchair, as we have used a linkage with spring balancing system. We have extensively tested it with over 50 users form various institutions such as Christian Medical College Vellore, Mobility India and St Johns Hospitals”. Statistics quoted by the WHO say that only one in ten physically challenged people have access to assistive technology, but when they are provided the necessary aid, it could improve their access to education, employment and social participation. “Currently we have the capability of manufacturing 300-400 wheelchairs per month and our vision is to scale this up to 10,000 per month. We plan to distribute it via dealers who specialise in assistive technology and prosthesis. Our model costs Rs 15,000 while imported standing wheelchairs are priced at over a lakh and beyond. Since most of the parts used by us are bicycle parts, it would be easy to get them replaced when the need arises”, Sashi Kumar, MD of Phoenix medical Systems told WION. At the event, a few wheelchairs were donated to differently-abled persons who had spinal injuries. The users were delighted on being able to rise up independently for the first time, while the National Anthem was being played.

‘Arise’: IIT Madras’ affordable standing wheelchair to be commercially available

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