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Action has been initiated against as many as 2,923 farmers so far in the 20,729 cases of stubble burning reported till November 1, in the state, said Punjab Chief Minister's Office in a statement.

The action is expected to cause a reduction of 10-20 per cent in the number of such cases this year as against 2018, the statement said. "As against a total of around 49,000 cases of stubble burning last year, this year the state government has so far received reports of 20,729 cases, with more than 70 per cent of the paddy already harvested," the statement read.

Despite the High Court having stayed the recovery of fine from farmers penalised last year, the state government has intensified its drive against the dangerous practice of stubble burning, the Chief Minister said.

According to the statement, "Even as he expressed the hope that the Prime Minister will understand, and respond positively to his letter on the grave issue of the worsening Delhi air pollution, Captain Amarinder said his government was fully seized of the problem and was working committedly to put a stop to stubble burning."

"The Enforcement Teams had, till November 1, 2019, visited 11286 fire incidents sites, and Environment Compensation amounting to Rs 41.62 lakh had been imposed in 1585 cases, Red Entry made in Khasra Girdawaris in 1136 cases, and prosecution/ FIR filed in 202 cases against the defaulting farmers," the statement said.

While admitting that Punjab was also contributing to the Delhi smog, due to the westerly upper winds, including those coming from Pakistan, Captain Amarinder said to put the blame entirely on his state was "absolutely incorrect."

Statistics showed that the parameters on the factors relating to pollution were higher in Delhi, he added. Instead of addressing the problem, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was playing political games, he said, asking what the AAP leader was doing on the ground to resolve the issue.

The situation has aggravated in recent years as the production of paddy has increased, with the last two years reporting record production in Punjab, even though the state's people were traditionally not rice-eaters, according to the Chief Minister.

He also pointed out that the cities in the state were also enveloped by smog.

Underlining the need to change the cropping pattern by weaning the farmers away from paddy, he reiterated his demand for MSP for other crops to help promote diversification.

The Central government has to step in and find a consensus to resolve the crisis, Captain Amarinder stressed.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Action has been initiated against as many as 2,923 farmers so far in the 20,729 cases of stubble burning reported till November 1, in the state, said Punjab Chief Minister's Office in a statement.

Action has been initiated against as many as 2,923 farmers so far in the 20,729 cases of stubble burning reported till November 1, in the state, said Punjab Chief Minister's Office in a statement. The action is expected to cause a reduction of 10-20 per cent in the number of such cases this year as against 2018, the statement said. "As against a total of around 49,000 cases of stubble burning last year, this year the state government has so far received reports of 20,729 cases, with more than 70 per cent of the paddy already harvested," the statement read. Despite the High Court having stayed the recovery of fine from farmers penalised last year, the state government has intensified its drive against the dangerous practice of stubble burning, the Chief Minister said. According to the statement, "Even as he expressed the hope that the Prime Minister will understand, and respond positively to his letter on the grave issue of the worsening Delhi air pollution, Captain Amarinder said his government was fully seized of the problem and was working committedly to put a stop to stubble burning." "The Enforcement Teams had, till November 1, 2019, visited 11286 fire incidents sites, and Environment Compensation amounting to Rs 41.62 lakh had been imposed in 1585 cases, Red Entry made in Khasra Girdawaris in 1136 cases, and prosecution/ FIR filed in 202 cases against the defaulting farmers," the statement said. While admitting that Punjab was also contributing to the Delhi smog, due to the westerly upper winds, including those coming from Pakistan, Captain Amarinder said to put the blame entirely on his state was "absolutely incorrect." Statistics showed that the parameters on the factors relating to pollution were higher in Delhi, he added. Instead of addressing the problem, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was playing political games, he said, asking what the AAP leader was doing on the ground to resolve the issue. The situation has aggravated in recent years as the production of paddy has increased, with the last two years reporting record production in Punjab, even though the state's people were traditionally not rice-eaters, according to the Chief Minister. He also pointed out that the cities in the state were also enveloped by smog. Underlining the need to change the cropping pattern by weaning the farmers away from paddy, he reiterated his demand for MSP for other crops to help promote diversification. The Central government has to step in and find a consensus to resolve the crisis, Captain Amarinder stressed.

Action initiated in 20,729 cases of stubble burning: Punjab CM

The Congress on Sunday claimed that its party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra`s phone was also hacked during a recent spyware attack on several journalists and human rights activists.

Last week, Facebook, the parent company of WhatsApp, alleged that Israeli cyber security company NSO used WhatsApp servers to spread spyware Pegasus.

"When WhatsApp sent messages to all those whose phones were hacked, one such message was also received by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra," said Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala in a press conference on being asked about NCP leader Praful Patel and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee receiving messages from the Facebook-owned messaging platform.

Surjewala, however, did not mention when exactly Priyanka received the message.

Amid the raging controversy, the government has asked WhatsApp to come out with an explanation on the breach of privacy and list out measures that have been taken to safeguard the privacy of millions of Indians.

This comes a day after Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi dubbed the snooping on activists, journalists and political persons as illegal, alleging that the government acquired an Israeli software to spy on citizens.

According to reports, WhatsApp revealed that journalists and activists in India have been the target of surveillance by operators using the Israeli spyware Pegasus.

The messaging platform said that it had reached out to the people who were targeted but declined to reveal the identities and "exact number" of those who were targeted.The messaging company stated that it remains committed to protecting all messages of its users. 
&nbsp;

The Congress on Sunday claimed that its party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra`s phone was also hacked during a recent spyware attack on several journalists and human rights activists.

The Congress on Sunday claimed that its party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra`s phone was also hacked during a recent spyware attack on several journalists and human rights activists. Last week, Facebook, the parent company of WhatsApp, alleged that Israeli cyber security company NSO used WhatsApp servers to spread spyware Pegasus. "When WhatsApp sent messages to all those whose phones were hacked, one such message was also received by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra," said Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala in a press conference on being asked about NCP leader Praful Patel and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee receiving messages from the Facebook-owned messaging platform. Surjewala, however, did not mention when exactly Priyanka received the message. Amid the raging controversy, the government has asked WhatsApp to come out with an explanation on the breach of privacy and list out measures that have been taken to safeguard the privacy of millions of Indians. This comes a day after Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi dubbed the snooping on activists, journalists and political persons as illegal, alleging that the government acquired an Israeli software to spy on citizens. According to reports, WhatsApp revealed that journalists and activists in India have been the target of surveillance by operators using the Israeli spyware Pegasus. The messaging platform said that it had reached out to the people who were targeted but declined to reveal the identities and "exact number" of those who were targeted.The messaging company stated that it remains committed to protecting all messages of its users.

Snooping row: Priyanka Gandhi's phone also hacked, claims Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a strong appeal to the business leaders to invest in India saying that this is the best time to be in the country.

"I am eager to give you a picture of some positive changes happening in India today. I say this with full confidence, this is the best time to be in India," PM said while speaking at an event here, where he outlined various endeavours of the government of India.

PM Modi spoke about India's improved position in World Bank's Ease of Doing Business (EODB) ranking and said, "Many things are rising while others are falling. Ease of doing business, ease of living, FDI, forest cover, patents, productivity are rising while taxes, tax rates, red-tapism, corruption, cronyism are falling. The corrupts are running for cover."

Modi also emphasised that India and Thailand have strong cultural linkages and said that commerce and culture have inherent powers to unite.

"For investment and easy business, come to India. To innovate and starting up, come to India. To experience some of the best tourist sites and warm hospitality of people, come to India. India awaits you with open arms", the Prime Minister told the business community leaders.

He also laid out his vision of making India a five trillion dollars economy and said that it will be achieved very soon.

"India is now pursuing a dream to become a $5 trillion economy. When my government took over in 2014, India's GDP was about $2 trillion. In 5 years, we increased it to nearly $3 trillion. This convinces me that dream of $5 trillion economy will soon be a reality," added PM Modi.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a strong appeal to the business leaders to invest in India saying that this is the best time to be in the country. "I am eager to give you a picture of some positive changes happening in India today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a strong appeal to the business leaders to invest in India saying that this is the best time to be in the country. "I am eager to give you a picture of some positive changes happening in India today. I say this with full confidence, this is the best time to be in India," PM said while speaking at an event here, where he outlined various endeavours of the government of India. PM Modi spoke about India's improved position in World Bank's Ease of Doing Business (EODB) ranking and said, "Many things are rising while others are falling. Ease of doing business, ease of living, FDI, forest cover, patents, productivity are rising while taxes, tax rates, red-tapism, corruption, cronyism are falling. The corrupts are running for cover." Modi also emphasised that India and Thailand have strong cultural linkages and said that commerce and culture have inherent powers to unite. "For investment and easy business, come to India. To innovate and starting up, come to India. To experience some of the best tourist sites and warm hospitality of people, come to India. India awaits you with open arms", the Prime Minister told the business community leaders. He also laid out his vision of making India a five trillion dollars economy and said that it will be achieved very soon. "India is now pursuing a dream to become a $5 trillion economy. When my government took over in 2014, India's GDP was about $2 trillion. In 5 years, we increased it to nearly $3 trillion. This convinces me that dream of $5 trillion economy will soon be a reality," added PM Modi.

This is the best time to invest in India, says Prime minister Narendra Modi

'Public health Emergency' has been declared in Delhi till Nov 5. All schools are shut, all fireworks banned in Delhi for a week. Watch this video to find out more in detail.

Delhi Pollution: An Annual Nightmare

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that there should be no politics over pollution and all state governments and Centre should come together and discuss the issue.

"All scientists and experts are saying that pollution from stubble burning is coming to Delhi, due to which there is pollution everywhere. We don`t want to do any blame game, there should be no politics at this stage. All governments should come together and discuss the issue," Kejriwal said in a video message.

He also stated that the Delhi government has taken all measures to curb pollution but the smoke from the stubble burning has entered Delhi and has caused the Air Quality Index (AQI) to reach to alarming levels.

"We have curbed construction activities after levying fines on the builders. On Diwali, this year the children reduced the usage of crackers. People of Delhi have done everything that they can do to control the pollution. But it is because of stubble burning, that Delhi is suffering from this issue," he said.

He also urged all to follow the Odd-Even scheme which will be starting from Monday.

"Odd-even scheme is going to start from November 4 and will last up to November 15 from 8 am to 8 pm. I request people that they follow the rule, if not for themselves but for their families," he added.

Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Above 500 is "severe-plus emergency" category.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that there should be no politics over pollution and all state governments and Centre should come together and discuss the issue.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that there should be no politics over pollution and all state governments and Centre should come together and discuss the issue. "All scientists and experts are saying that pollution from stubble burning is coming to Delhi, due to which there is pollution everywhere. We don`t want to do any blame game, there should be no politics at this stage. All governments should come together and discuss the issue," Kejriwal said in a video message. He also stated that the Delhi government has taken all measures to curb pollution but the smoke from the stubble burning has entered Delhi and has caused the Air Quality Index (AQI) to reach to alarming levels. "We have curbed construction activities after levying fines on the builders. On Diwali, this year the children reduced the usage of crackers. People of Delhi have done everything that they can do to control the pollution. But it is because of stubble burning, that Delhi is suffering from this issue," he said. He also urged all to follow the Odd-Even scheme which will be starting from Monday. "Odd-even scheme is going to start from November 4 and will last up to November 15 from 8 am to 8 pm. I request people that they follow the rule, if not for themselves but for their families," he added. Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours. An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Above 500 is "severe-plus emergency" category.

All governments should come together to act on pollution: Arvind Kejriwal

The Delhi High Court has ordered a judicial inquiry into Saturday clashes that broke out between lawyers and the police at Tis Hazari court complex here that left several injured.

The inquiry, to be conducted by the retired judge of Delhi High Court SP Garg, has to be completed within six weeks.

Garg is required to be assisted by Director, CBI, Director, Intelligence Bureau and Director, Vigilance or any superior rank officers appointed by them.

The High Court has also directed Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik to record the statements of the injured advocates.

It has also directed that FIR shall be lodged immediately and the copies of it shall be presented before it.

Meanwhile, the High Court has also directed Delhi government to provide best medical treatment to injured advocates, if possible, then in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), especially to those who are seriously injured.

Also, an ex gratia amount of Rs 50,000 is to be given to Advocate Vijay Verma, and of Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 to other two injured advocates. Delhi HC has directed more amount to be paid, over and above the compensation, if the need arises in the future.

All bar associations and bar councils had sought judicial inquiry from a retired judge of Delhi High Court.

A total of four FIRs including cross FIRs from lawyers and the police have been registered in the case.

The third FIR has been registered by a female lawyer against the police for misbehaving and inappropriate gestures.

The District Judge has also registered an FIR over all chaos and clash, the police said.

Around 20 police personnel including Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) and two Station House Officers (SHOs) and eight advocates sustained injuries in the scuffle, which broke out between police and advocates.

After the clash on Saturday, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court Justice DN Patel chaired a meeting with six senior most judges of the court and senior officials of the Delhi Police and discussed the situation after the clash.

Meanwhile, the Bar Council of Delhi has decided to grant Rs 2 lakh each to two lawyers, who are currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Rs 50,000 to the lawyers, who sustained injuries in the clash.

 
&nbsp;

The Delhi High Court has ordered a judicial inquiry into Saturday clashes that broke out between lawyers and the police at Tis Hazari court complex here that left several injured.

The Delhi High Court has ordered a judicial inquiry into Saturday clashes that broke out between lawyers and the police at Tis Hazari court complex here that left several injured. The inquiry, to be conducted by the retired judge of Delhi High Court SP Garg, has to be completed within six weeks. Garg is required to be assisted by Director, CBI, Director, Intelligence Bureau and Director, Vigilance or any superior rank officers appointed by them. The High Court has also directed Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik to record the statements of the injured advocates. It has also directed that FIR shall be lodged immediately and the copies of it shall be presented before it. Meanwhile, the High Court has also directed Delhi government to provide best medical treatment to injured advocates, if possible, then in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), especially to those who are seriously injured. Also, an ex gratia amount of Rs 50,000 is to be given to Advocate Vijay Verma, and of Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 to other two injured advocates. Delhi HC has directed more amount to be paid, over and above the compensation, if the need arises in the future. All bar associations and bar councils had sought judicial inquiry from a retired judge of Delhi High Court. A total of four FIRs including cross FIRs from lawyers and the police have been registered in the case. The third FIR has been registered by a female lawyer against the police for misbehaving and inappropriate gestures. The District Judge has also registered an FIR over all chaos and clash, the police said. Around 20 police personnel including Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) and two Station House Officers (SHOs) and eight advocates sustained injuries in the scuffle, which broke out between police and advocates. After the clash on Saturday, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court Justice DN Patel chaired a meeting with six senior most judges of the court and senior officials of the Delhi Police and discussed the situation after the clash. Meanwhile, the Bar Council of Delhi has decided to grant Rs 2 lakh each to two lawyers, who are currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Rs 50,000 to the lawyers, who sustained injuries in the clash.

Tis Hazari Court clash: Delhi High Court orders judicial probe

All government and private schools up to class 12 will remain closed on November 4 and 5 due to rising air pollution in the national capital and adjoining areas.

In an order on Sunday, The District Magistrate (DM) Ghaziabad, Ajay Shankar Pandey said, "Due to increased air pollution in the NCR, all schools till class 12 shall remain closed on November 4 and 5."

"The air quality in Ghaziabad remains in poor quality. According to the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board data, the PM-10 and PM 2.5 levels are very high," the DM said.

Apart from the capital, Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad and Noida are also reeling under the wave of severe air pollution. In both places, the AQI has crossed the mark of 600.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

All government and private schools up to class 12 will remain closed on November 4 and 5 due to rising air pollution in the national capital and adjoining areas.

All government and private schools up to class 12 will remain closed on November 4 and 5 due to rising air pollution in the national capital and adjoining areas. In an order on Sunday, The District Magistrate (DM) Ghaziabad, Ajay Shankar Pandey said, "Due to increased air pollution in the NCR, all schools till class 12 shall remain closed on November 4 and 5." "The air quality in Ghaziabad remains in poor quality. According to the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board data, the PM-10 and PM 2.5 levels are very high," the DM said. Apart from the capital, Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad and Noida are also reeling under the wave of severe air pollution. In both places, the AQI has crossed the mark of 600.

Ghaziabad: All schools to remain closed on November 4 and 5 due to air pollution

At least 37 flights have been diverted at the Delhi Airport after a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning.

Air pollution in the national capital escalated to a hazardous level and visibility dropped significantly.

The Delhi Airport in a statement said, "Due to low visibility at Delhi Airport, 37 flights were diverted between 9 am and 1 pm to places including Jaipur, Amritsar and Lucknow among others, today. As of now, the visibility has improved."

The update issued on Twitter at 3 pm said, "The visibility at Delhi airport is improving. Passengers are requested to get in touch with the airline concerned for the updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted."

Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Above 500 is "severe-plus emergency" category.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

At least 37 flights have been diverted at the Delhi Airport after a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning. Air pollution in the national capital escalated to a hazardous level and visibility dropped significantly.

At least 37 flights have been diverted at the Delhi Airport after a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning. Air pollution in the national capital escalated to a hazardous level and visibility dropped significantly. The Delhi Airport in a statement said, "Due to low visibility at Delhi Airport, 37 flights were diverted between 9 am and 1 pm to places including Jaipur, Amritsar and Lucknow among others, today. As of now, the visibility has improved." The update issued on Twitter at 3 pm said, "The visibility at Delhi airport is improving. Passengers are requested to get in touch with the airline concerned for the updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted." Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours. An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Above 500 is "severe-plus emergency" category.

Delhi air pollution: 37 flights diverted due to low visibility at airport

Leaders from China and Southeast Asia states called for swift agreement on what could become the world's largest trade bloc at a regional summit on Sunday, but new demands from India left officials scrambling to salvage progress.

Hopes of finalising the Asia-wide Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which is backed by China, have been thrown into doubt at the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Summit host Thailand said late on Sunday that the deal could be signed by February 2020. Thailand had previously said it aimed to conclude negotiations by the end of the year.

New impetus to reach agreement has come from the US-China trade war, which has helped knock regional economic growth to its lowest in five years.

"The early conclusion of RCEP negotiations will lay the foundation for East Asia's economic integration," said a statement from China's foreign ministry after Premier Li Keqiang met Southeast Asian leaders.

But Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not even mention the RCEP deal in opening remarks at a meeting with Southeast Asian leaders and instead spoke only of reviewing the existing trade agreement between ASEAN and India.

Nor did Modi mention the trade bloc, whose 16 countries would account for a third of global gross domestic product and nearly half the world's population, in Twitter posts after meeting Thai and Indonesian leaders.

An Indian foreign ministry official later told a media briefing "Let's take all the RCEP questions tomorrow."

Southeast Asian countries had hoped at least a provisional agreement could be announced on Monday.

But India has been worried about a potential flood of Chinese imports. A person with knowledge of New Delhi's negotiations said new demands were made last week "which are difficult to meet."

TRADE WAR IMPACT

Negotiators were meeting into the evening on Sunday to try to come to an agreement, Thai government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat told reporters on Sunday.

"We don't have a conclusion yet. Once there is one, it would be announced," she said. "Commerce ministers are still discussing outstanding issues. The signing is expected around February next year."

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told the formal opening of the ASEAN summit on Sunday that the 16 nations in the potential trade bloc ought to come to agreement this year to stimulate economic growth, trade and investment.

He highlighted the risks of "trade frictions" and "geo strategic competition" in the region.

Some countries have raised the possibility of moving ahead without India on forming a bloc that also included Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

But Thai commerce minister Jurin Laksanawisit told Reuters on Sunday that India had not pulled out.

Another advantage for Southeast Asian countries from having relative heavyweight India in the trade pact would be less domination by China.

Longstanding rivals China and India, which fought a border war in 1962, clashed verbally in recent days over India's decision to formally revoke the constitutional autonomy of the disputed Muslim majority state of Kashmir.

The US&nbsp;decision to send a lower level delegation to the summits this year has raised regional concerns that it can no longer be relied on as a counterweight to China's increasing regional might.

Instead of President Donald Trump or Vice President Mike Pence, the United States will be represented by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien.

At the summit, China's Premier Li said China was ready to work with countries in the region for long term peace and stability in the South China Sea, where neighbours reject Beijing's sweeping maritime claims.

Li cited this year's progress on a code of conduct, due for completion within three years.

A legally binding code has long been a goal for ASEAN members sparring over what they see as China's disregard of sovereign rights and its obstruction of their energy exploration and fishing.

Leaders from China and Southeast Asia states called for swift agreement on what could become the world's largest trade bloc at a regional summit on Sunday, but new demands from India left officials scrambling to salvage progress.

Leaders from China and Southeast Asia states called for swift agreement on what could become the world's largest trade bloc at a regional summit on Sunday, but new demands from India left officials scrambling to salvage progress. Hopes of finalising the Asia-wide Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which is backed by China, have been thrown into doubt at the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Bangkok, Thailand. Summit host Thailand said late on Sunday that the deal could be signed by February 2020. Thailand had previously said it aimed to conclude negotiations by the end of the year. New impetus to reach agreement has come from the US-China trade war, which has helped knock regional economic growth to its lowest in five years. "The early conclusion of RCEP negotiations will lay the foundation for East Asia's economic integration," said a statement from China's foreign ministry after Premier Li Keqiang met Southeast Asian leaders. But Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not even mention the RCEP deal in opening remarks at a meeting with Southeast Asian leaders and instead spoke only of reviewing the existing trade agreement between ASEAN and India. Nor did Modi mention the trade bloc, whose 16 countries would account for a third of global gross domestic product and nearly half the world's population, in Twitter posts after meeting Thai and Indonesian leaders. An Indian foreign ministry official later told a media briefing "Let's take all the RCEP questions tomorrow." Southeast Asian countries had hoped at least a provisional agreement could be announced on Monday. But India has been worried about a potential flood of Chinese imports. A person with knowledge of New Delhi's negotiations said new demands were made last week "which are difficult to meet." TRADE WAR IMPACT Negotiators were meeting into the evening on Sunday to try to come to an agreement, Thai government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat told reporters on Sunday. "We don't have a conclusion yet. Once there is one, it would be announced," she said. "Commerce ministers are still discussing outstanding issues. The signing is expected around February next year." Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told the formal opening of the ASEAN summit on Sunday that the 16 nations in the potential trade bloc ought to come to agreement this year to stimulate economic growth, trade and investment. He highlighted the risks of "trade frictions" and "geo strategic competition" in the region. Some countries have raised the possibility of moving ahead without India on forming a bloc that also included Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. But Thai commerce minister Jurin Laksanawisit told Reuters on Sunday that India had not pulled out. Another advantage for Southeast Asian countries from having relative heavyweight India in the trade pact would be less domination by China. Longstanding rivals China and India, which fought a border war in 1962, clashed verbally in recent days over India's decision to formally revoke the constitutional autonomy of the disputed Muslim majority state of Kashmir. The US decision to send a lower level delegation to the summits this year has raised regional concerns that it can no longer be relied on as a counterweight to China's increasing regional might. Instead of President Donald Trump or Vice President Mike Pence, the United States will be represented by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien. At the summit, China's Premier Li said China was ready to work with countries in the region for long term peace and stability in the South China Sea, where neighbours reject Beijing's sweeping maritime claims. Li cited this year's progress on a code of conduct, due for completion within three years. A legally binding code has long been a goal for ASEAN members sparring over what they see as China's disregard of sovereign rights and its obstruction of their energy exploration and fishing.

China, SE Asian states push trade pact despite India's doubts

The national capital is witnessing public health emergency with hundreds of patients having respiratory problems being shifted to intensive care units (ICUs) by their pulmonologists because of the worsening air quality in the city, including the general wards of the hospital.

On Sunday, Delhi witnessed thick smog with Air Quality Index (AQI) touching the peak levels and reaching the hazardous category.

ANI took the ground report from different hospitals across the city and spoke to doctors which revealed that ICUs at most places were running overbooked and patients were being put on ventilation.

Previously, patients with existing respiratory illnesses were managed with medicines and nebulisers, however, the deteriorating air quality has worsened the situation and most patients need ICU admissions.

Weather forecasts say the situation is not likely to improve in the next few days.

Dr Arvind Kumar, Chairman of Chest Surgery Department at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital told ANI: "On Saturday, we received a patient in casualty with severe respiratory distress. We gave him nebuliser and then also his condition did not improve. We also shifted him to the respiratory division ward but there was still no relief. Lately, we shifted him to the ICU and put him on the ventilator. So, this is the situation of air quality in Delhi and we all are gasping to breathe."

Meanwhile, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has revealed that post-festival celebrations, patients with respiratory complications have increased by five folds in the OPD.

These include- children, pregnant women, elderly and patients with pre-existing diseases. Dr Randeep Guleria, Director of AIIMS said that present air quality is equivalent to inhaling the smoke of at least 50 cigarettes a day and is very dangerous for children.

Dr Vikas Maurya who is head of the pulmonary department at Fortis Hospital said, "Patients in ICU have shot up by at least three folds. We have admitted a lot of patients in ICU who could not be managed in the general ward. People with pre-existing respiratory diseases are at major risk. Children, the elderly, pregnant mother are more vulnerable. If this crisis of air pollution continues, ICU beds will fall short in some days. We need solid management by the government to tackle air pollution. This is a deadly situation."

At BLK hospital, OPD has increased by 300 per cent and patients in wards have doubled post the Diwali celebration period, said Dr Vikas Maurya, head of Respiratory medicine department.

"Even normal individuals have become patients now. I don`t know what to say to patients suffering from respiratory distress. Some of them are shifted to ICU and are using BiPAP machines (sometimes prescribed for patients with high-pressure settings and low oxygen levels). We are advising patients to go out of Delhi those who can afford. But this is not the solution. As a doctor, I feel very helpless to see my patients who were doing better and now gasping for breath", he said.

At Gurugram, the situation is not any better and more and more patients are coming to the hospital with air pollution-related issues.

"The worsening pollution is surely taking a toll on the patients and the public at large. New patients (previously healthy) are reporting with cough, breathlessness, nausea decreased appetite and depression symptoms. The increase of these patients has been 30 per cent from the baseline", said Dr Himanshu Garg, Head of Department of Respiratory Medicine at W Pratiksha Hospital, Gurgaon.

He also stated that the patients of pre-existing Respiratory disorders are having a tough time surviving this weather.

"Many of them have been admitted mostly in the ICUs and could not be saved. About 50 per cent of patients are experiencing a flare-up of symptoms with 20 per cent have severe problems", Garg said.

Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours. An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe".

Above 500 is "severe-plus emergency" category.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The national capital is witnessing public health emergency with hundreds of patients having respiratory problems being shifted to intensive care units (ICUs) by their pulmonologists because of the worsening air quality in the city, including the general wards of the hospital.

The national capital is witnessing public health emergency with hundreds of patients having respiratory problems being shifted to intensive care units (ICUs) by their pulmonologists because of the worsening air quality in the city, including the general wards of the hospital. On Sunday, Delhi witnessed thick smog with Air Quality Index (AQI) touching the peak levels and reaching the hazardous category. ANI took the ground report from different hospitals across the city and spoke to doctors which revealed that ICUs at most places were running overbooked and patients were being put on ventilation. Previously, patients with existing respiratory illnesses were managed with medicines and nebulisers, however, the deteriorating air quality has worsened the situation and most patients need ICU admissions. Weather forecasts say the situation is not likely to improve in the next few days. Dr Arvind Kumar, Chairman of Chest Surgery Department at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital told ANI: "On Saturday, we received a patient in casualty with severe respiratory distress. We gave him nebuliser and then also his condition did not improve. We also shifted him to the respiratory division ward but there was still no relief. Lately, we shifted him to the ICU and put him on the ventilator. So, this is the situation of air quality in Delhi and we all are gasping to breathe." Meanwhile, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has revealed that post-festival celebrations, patients with respiratory complications have increased by five folds in the OPD. These include- children, pregnant women, elderly and patients with pre-existing diseases. Dr Randeep Guleria, Director of AIIMS said that present air quality is equivalent to inhaling the smoke of at least 50 cigarettes a day and is very dangerous for children. Dr Vikas Maurya who is head of the pulmonary department at Fortis Hospital said, "Patients in ICU have shot up by at least three folds. We have admitted a lot of patients in ICU who could not be managed in the general ward. People with pre-existing respiratory diseases are at major risk. Children, the elderly, pregnant mother are more vulnerable. If this crisis of air pollution continues, ICU beds will fall short in some days. We need solid management by the government to tackle air pollution. This is a deadly situation." At BLK hospital, OPD has increased by 300 per cent and patients in wards have doubled post the Diwali celebration period, said Dr Vikas Maurya, head of Respiratory medicine department. "Even normal individuals have become patients now. I don`t know what to say to patients suffering from respiratory distress. Some of them are shifted to ICU and are using BiPAP machines (sometimes prescribed for patients with high-pressure settings and low oxygen levels). We are advising patients to go out of Delhi those who can afford. But this is not the solution. As a doctor, I feel very helpless to see my patients who were doing better and now gasping for breath", he said. At Gurugram, the situation is not any better and more and more patients are coming to the hospital with air pollution-related issues. "The worsening pollution is surely taking a toll on the patients and the public at large. New patients (previously healthy) are reporting with cough, breathlessness, nausea decreased appetite and depression symptoms. The increase of these patients has been 30 per cent from the baseline", said Dr Himanshu Garg, Head of Department of Respiratory Medicine at W Pratiksha Hospital, Gurgaon. He also stated that the patients of pre-existing Respiratory disorders are having a tough time surviving this weather. "Many of them have been admitted mostly in the ICUs and could not be saved. About 50 per cent of patients are experiencing a flare-up of symptoms with 20 per cent have severe problems", Garg said. Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours. An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Above 500 is "severe-plus emergency" category.

Delhi pollution: Patients gasp for oxygen amid respiratory emergency, ICUs running full across city

Air pollution in New Delhi and surrounding towns reached the worst levels so far this year on Sunday, with authorities in the world's most polluted capital city having already declared a public health emergency and ordered the closure of schools.

The air quality index, measuring levels of PM 2.5, tiny particulate matter in the air, deteriorated to above 900, way over the 500-level that qualifies as "severe-plus".

Aside from the harm it was doing to the lungs of some 40 million people living in the capital region, the smog was so bad more than 30 flights were diverted from Delhi airport due to poor visibility.

Roads looked deserted as large numbers of people stayed home, rather than expose themselves to the noxious atmosphere outside.

"Pollution has reached unbearable levels across north India," Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi's chief minister said in a message on twitter.

The government environment monitoring agency SAFAR warned that no relief was expected for the next one to two days, as humidity resulting from unexpected light rains overnight had exacerbated pollution, already driven by higher the seasonal crop stubble burning by farmers in the surrounding states.

"Wind speed is picking up and it could take 24 to 48 hours before the pollution level reduces to a level of around 500," Mahesh Palawat, vice president of Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, said.

Anything above 400 on the AQI poses a risk for people with respiratory illness and can also affect even those with healthy lungs.

Doctors were reporting a spike in patients with respiratory related issues, according to Sachin Taparia, head of Local Circles, a Delhi-based private consultancy that conducts surveys on government policies and programmes.

"Delhi has turned into a gas chamber as the pollution levels hit the ‘severe+’ category," Taparia said.

A survey of 17,000 people in the Delhi region by his consultancy found that 40 per cent want to get out of the Delhi region because of the failure to control pollution.

Authorities in Delhi on Friday declared a public health emergency and closed schools and all construction activity.

From Monday, the city government will also restrict the use of private vehicles on the capital's roads under an "odd-even" scheme based on license plates.

"The temporary restrictions on private vehicles will have a negligible impact as we face the most hazardous situation," said Skymet's Palawat.

Kejriwal, and the chief ministers from the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana, urged the federal government to do more to combat the pollution.

On Monday, according to a lawyer, the Supreme Court is likely to hear a petition on Monday from the environment agency, looking for ways to make state governments to take tougher action against farmers to curb the stubble-burning. Politicians have been reluctant to upset their farming constituencies.

According to SAFAR, satellite pictures had captured more than 3,000 incidents of stubble burning last week in neighbouring states, contributing to 44 per cent of Delhi's pollution.

Air pollution in New Delhi and surrounding towns reached the worst levels so far this year on Sunday, with authorities in the world's most polluted capital city having already declared a public health emergency and ordered the closure of schools.

Air pollution in New Delhi and surrounding towns reached the worst levels so far this year on Sunday, with authorities in the world's most polluted capital city having already declared a public health emergency and ordered the closure of schools. The air quality index, measuring levels of PM 2.5, tiny particulate matter in the air, deteriorated to above 900, way over the 500-level that qualifies as "severe-plus". Aside from the harm it was doing to the lungs of some 40 million people living in the capital region, the smog was so bad more than 30 flights were diverted from Delhi airport due to poor visibility. Roads looked deserted as large numbers of people stayed home, rather than expose themselves to the noxious atmosphere outside. "Pollution has reached unbearable levels across north India," Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi's chief minister said in a message on twitter. The government environment monitoring agency SAFAR warned that no relief was expected for the next one to two days, as humidity resulting from unexpected light rains overnight had exacerbated pollution, already driven by higher the seasonal crop stubble burning by farmers in the surrounding states. "Wind speed is picking up and it could take 24 to 48 hours before the pollution level reduces to a level of around 500," Mahesh Palawat, vice president of Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, said. Anything above 400 on the AQI poses a risk for people with respiratory illness and can also affect even those with healthy lungs. Doctors were reporting a spike in patients with respiratory related issues, according to Sachin Taparia, head of Local Circles, a Delhi-based private consultancy that conducts surveys on government policies and programmes. "Delhi has turned into a gas chamber as the pollution levels hit the ‘severe+’ category," Taparia said. A survey of 17,000 people in the Delhi region by his consultancy found that 40 per cent want to get out of the Delhi region because of the failure to control pollution. Authorities in Delhi on Friday declared a public health emergency and closed schools and all construction activity. From Monday, the city government will also restrict the use of private vehicles on the capital's roads under an "odd-even" scheme based on license plates. "The temporary restrictions on private vehicles will have a negligible impact as we face the most hazardous situation," said Skymet's Palawat. Kejriwal, and the chief ministers from the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana, urged the federal government to do more to combat the pollution. On Monday, according to a lawyer, the Supreme Court is likely to hear a petition on Monday from the environment agency, looking for ways to make state governments to take tougher action against farmers to curb the stubble-burning. Politicians have been reluctant to upset their farming constituencies. According to SAFAR, satellite pictures had captured more than 3,000 incidents of stubble burning last week in neighbouring states, contributing to 44 per cent of Delhi's pollution.

India's smog-bound capital chokes, suffers most hazardous air so far this year

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo discussed the threats of extremism and terrorism during a bilateral meeting in Bangkok on Sunday on the sidelines of ASEAN summit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo discussed the threats of extremism and terrorism during a bilateral meeting in Bangkok on Sunday on the sidelines of ASEAN summit. "Maritime neighbor, all-time friend. PM @narendramodi had an engaging conversation with Indonesian President @jokowi building on the convergences between the two countries. Focus on connectivity, trade & investment and Indo-Pacific," MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Modi congratulated the Indonesian President as he begins his second term as president and conveyed that as two of the world`s largest democratic and plural societies, India is committed to working with Indonesia to strengthen ties in the areas of defence, security, connectivity, trade and investment and people-to-people exchanges. "Noting that India and Indonesia are close maritime neighbours, both leaders reiterated their commitment to work together for peace, security and prosperity in order to achieve their shared vision on maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region," an official statement said. The two leaders discussed the threat of extremism and terrorism and agreed to work closely, bilaterally and globally, to tackle this menace, according to a report. During the meeting, PM Modi "highlighted the need for greater market access for Indian commodities including, pharmaceutical, automotive and agricultural products." "While noting that Indian companies have made a substantial investment in Indonesia, PM Modi invited Indonesian companies to use the opportunities presented in India for investment," the statement informed. The Prime Minister also invited President Jokowi to visit India at a "mutually convenient time next year." India attaches high priority to its bilateral relationship with Indonesia, with which it shares a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This year, India and Indonesia are also commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. (With inputs from ANI)

PM Modi meets Indonesian President Joko Widodo; discusses terrorism, extremism

At least 32 flights have been diverted at the Delhi airport as a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning. 
 
Air pollution levels in the national capital escalated to hazardous and visibility dropped significantly. 
 
"Due to low visibility at the Delhi Airport, 32 flights have been diverted," said Delhi International Airport Limited today. 
 
Air India has said that due to bad weather, flight operations have been affected since morning 9 am in T3 airport in Delhi and 12 flights have been diverted to Jaipur, Amritsar, and Lucknow. 
 
As per the update till 1 pm, the Delhi Airport in a tweet said, "Due to low visibility, flight operations at the Delhi Airport are affected. While take-offs and landings continue, some flights are impacted due to crew operational limitations." 
 
"Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted," the Delhi Airport added. 
 
Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours. 
An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". 
 
Above 500 is the "severe-plus emergency" category.

At least 32 flights have been diverted at the Delhi airport as a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning. Air pollution levels in the national capital escalated to hazardous and visibility dropped significantly.

At least 32 flights have been diverted at the Delhi airport as a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning. Air pollution levels in the national capital escalated to hazardous and visibility dropped significantly. "Due to low visibility at the Delhi Airport, 32 flights have been diverted," said Delhi International Airport Limited today. Air India has said that due to bad weather, flight operations have been affected since morning 9 am in T3 airport in Delhi and 12 flights have been diverted to Jaipur, Amritsar, and Lucknow. As per the update till 1 pm, the Delhi Airport in a tweet said, "Due to low visibility, flight operations at the Delhi Airport are affected. While take-offs and landings continue, some flights are impacted due to crew operational limitations." "Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted," the Delhi Airport added. Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours. An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Above 500 is the "severe-plus emergency" category.

Pollution in Delhi: 32 flights diverted due to low visibility

Air pollution levels in the national capital escalated to hazardous and visibility dropped significantly as a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning.

Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/thick-smog-continues-to-affect-visibility-in-delhi-air-quality-index-remains-in-severe-259435">severe</a>".

Above 500 is the "severe-plus emergency" category. In Dhirpur, the AQI was 509, while in Delhi University area it was 591. In Delhi's famous Chandni Chowk area, the AQI was recorded at 432 while in Lodhi road it was 537.

Apart from the capital, Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad and Noida are also reeling under the wave of severe air pollution. In both places, the AQI has crossed the mark of 600.

People residing in these areas complained of eye irritation and suffocation due to deteriorating air quality."We are athletes and have most of the events in the winter seasons.

This thick smog is affecting our health making it difficult to breathe in the poisonous air. The government must do something about it," Prashant Shukla, a local from Ghaziabad, told ANI.

Another local from Ghaziabad, Mukul Sharma, also narrated his ordeal and said, "I am coughing too much these days. I do not know how to safeguard myself from increasing air pollution. The government must tighten the noose around stubble burning."Also, in the Gautam Budh Nagar area, the Noida Authority conducted checking at various construction sites and arrested 27 people for flouting the construction ban.

"The construction is banned in Noida from November 1 to 5. We have conducted checking at sector 75, 35 and 72. We have arrested 27 people for flouting the ban. We will continue to conduct checks at construction sites," said an official from Noida Authority.

To combat the menace of air pollution, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 to 15, 2019.

He has repeatedly said that the smog from the nearby states caused by the burning of crop residue is the major cause of pollution in the region.&nbsp;

Air pollution levels in the national capital escalated to hazardous and visibility dropped significantly as a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning.

Air pollution levels in the national capital escalated to hazardous and visibility dropped significantly as a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning. Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours. An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Above 500 is the "severe-plus emergency" category. In Dhirpur, the AQI was 509, while in Delhi University area it was 591. In Delhi's famous Chandni Chowk area, the AQI was recorded at 432 while in Lodhi road it was 537. Apart from the capital, Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad and Noida are also reeling under the wave of severe air pollution. In both places, the AQI has crossed the mark of 600. People residing in these areas complained of eye irritation and suffocation due to deteriorating air quality."We are athletes and have most of the events in the winter seasons. This thick smog is affecting our health making it difficult to breathe in the poisonous air. The government must do something about it," Prashant Shukla, a local from Ghaziabad, told ANI. Another local from Ghaziabad, Mukul Sharma, also narrated his ordeal and said, "I am coughing too much these days. I do not know how to safeguard myself from increasing air pollution. The government must tighten the noose around stubble burning."Also, in the Gautam Budh Nagar area, the Noida Authority conducted checking at various construction sites and arrested 27 people for flouting the construction ban. "The construction is banned in Noida from November 1 to 5. We have conducted checking at sector 75, 35 and 72. We have arrested 27 people for flouting the ban. We will continue to conduct checks at construction sites," said an official from Noida Authority. To combat the menace of air pollution, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 to 15, 2019. He has repeatedly said that the smog from the nearby states caused by the burning of crop residue is the major cause of pollution in the region.

Delhi-NCR chokes on smog, visibility drops significantly as AQI crosses 600

Congress is set to launch its digital membership pilot project in Raebareli district, which is the parliamentary constituency of the party's interim president Sonia Gandhi.

The party has chosen one more district where the digital membership drive will be carried out - Bulandshahr.

The organization will also launch this pilot project in Chattisgarh and Goa in the coming days.

A meeting of AICC General Secretary Incharges, state presidents, district presidents have been called on November 4 at the party's war room of the capital for the final discussion before launching the digital membership drive.

A source told ANI that traditional paper-based exercise will still be valid despite the new digital method.

Earlier, the membership of the party was given after taking down details in the receipt books without collecting any supporting documents of the individuals.

In this new method, the party will try to reduce the fake and duplicity of the data.

Congress is set to launch its digital membership pilot project in Raebareli district, which is the parliamentary constituency of the party's interim president Sonia Gandhi.

Congress is set to launch its digital membership pilot project in Raebareli district, which is the parliamentary constituency of the party's interim president Sonia Gandhi. The party has chosen one more district where the digital membership drive will be carried out - Bulandshahr. The organization will also launch this pilot project in Chattisgarh and Goa in the coming days. A meeting of AICC General Secretary Incharges, state presidents, district presidents have been called on November 4 at the party's war room of the capital for the final discussion before launching the digital membership drive. A source told ANI that traditional paper-based exercise will still be valid despite the new digital method. Earlier, the membership of the party was given after taking down details in the receipt books without collecting any supporting documents of the individuals. In this new method, the party will try to reduce the fake and duplicity of the data.

Congress to launch drive for digital enrolment of members in Raebareli

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has demanded the central government to summon Israel's ambassador over the alleged role of Israeli spyware Pegasus for 'snooping'&nbsp;on Indian citizens through WhatsApp.

"We have learned that there is a company from Israel that can get access to your WhatsApp account. They can listen to the conversations you have in your homes. The government should summon Israel's ambassador and ask him about it, instead of questioning WhatsApp," Owaisi said at an event on Saturday.

The central government has already clarified its stand on the matter.

Union information technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said that the government is concerned at the breach of privacy of citizens of India on WhatsApp and has sought a detailed explanation from the messaging platform.

Meanwhile, speaking further at the event, Owaisi also slammed the Centre over issues of unemployment and poverty in the country while outlining the problems of TSRTC drivers in Telangana.

"The state of poverty and employment is such that drivers who went to their homes on Dussehra drove TSRTC buses when they were offered Rs 200 more," he said. "There is an economic slowdown in the country. People are worried and our Prime Minister is in Thailand," he added. Owaisi also spoke on the proposed signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) free trade agreement, submitting that it would have serious effects on the milk industry. The AIMIM leader said: "They (the government) are going to sign RCEP agreement. I want to warn milk traders to be prepared that if Prime Minister signs RCEP the milk powder will come in imports at less than half price."

Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that India remains committed to a comprehensive and balanced outcome of RCEP negotiations and seeks balance across goods, services and investments and also within each pillar.&nbsp;

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has demanded the central government to summon Israel's ambassador over the alleged role of Israeli spyware Pegasus for 'snooping' on Indian citizens through WhatsApp.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has demanded the central government to summon Israel's ambassador over the alleged role of Israeli spyware Pegasus for 'snooping' on Indian citizens through WhatsApp. "We have learned that there is a company from Israel that can get access to your WhatsApp account. They can listen to the conversations you have in your homes. The government should summon Israel's ambassador and ask him about it, instead of questioning WhatsApp," Owaisi said at an event on Saturday. The central government has already clarified its stand on the matter. Union information technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said that the government is concerned at the breach of privacy of citizens of India on WhatsApp and has sought a detailed explanation from the messaging platform. Meanwhile, speaking further at the event, Owaisi also slammed the Centre over issues of unemployment and poverty in the country while outlining the problems of TSRTC drivers in Telangana. "The state of poverty and employment is such that drivers who went to their homes on Dussehra drove TSRTC buses when they were offered Rs 200 more," he said. "There is an economic slowdown in the country. People are worried and our Prime Minister is in Thailand," he added. Owaisi also spoke on the proposed signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) free trade agreement, submitting that it would have serious effects on the milk industry. The AIMIM leader said: "They (the government) are going to sign RCEP agreement. I want to warn milk traders to be prepared that if Prime Minister signs RCEP the milk powder will come in imports at less than half price." Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that India remains committed to a comprehensive and balanced outcome of RCEP negotiations and seeks balance across goods, services and investments and also within each pillar.

Owaisi attacks Centre over WhatsApp snooping allegations

&nbsp;Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the meeting of the Council of Government (CHG) of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) here on Saturday.

He was received by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov at the SCO meeting, according to the Office of the Raksha Mantri.

Singh had reached Tashkent on a three-day visit on November 1.

He paid floral tributes at the statue of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on Shastri Street here.

The former leader had passed away in Tashkent on January 11, 1966.

Defence Minister also visited the Shastri Memorial School here and interacted with the students studying there.

He also signed the Visitors Book at the school in which he paid tributes to Shastri.

Apart from participating in the SCO meeting, he will also hold bilateral engagements with Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the meeting of the Council of Government (CHG) of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) here on Saturday. He was received by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov at the SCO meeting, according to the Office of the Raksha Mantri.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the meeting of the Council of Government (CHG) of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) here on Saturday. He was received by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov at the SCO meeting, according to the Office of the Raksha Mantri. Singh had reached Tashkent on a three-day visit on November 1. He paid floral tributes at the statue of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on Shastri Street here. The former leader had passed away in Tashkent on January 11, 1966. Defence Minister also visited the Shastri Memorial School here and interacted with the students studying there. He also signed the Visitors Book at the school in which he paid tributes to Shastri. Apart from participating in the SCO meeting, he will also hold bilateral engagements with Uzbekistan.

Rajnath Singh attends  Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Tashkent

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-day visit to Thailand on Saturday morning to participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), East Asia, and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) summits.

Besides attending the meetings, Modi is scheduled to address the `Sawasdee PM Modi` community programme in Bangkok today.&nbsp;

The Indian Prime Minister will also release a commemorative coin marking the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, as well as the release of a Thai translation of Tamil classic Tirukkural, news agency ANI reported quoting Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

On November 3, Modi will co-chair the 16th ASEAN-India summit with Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, on whose invitation he is visiting the country.

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The meeting will take stock of the progress made in the relationship between India and the ASEAN member countries, ANI report added.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister will attend a special lunch hosted by the Thai Prime Minister for the leaders of the East Asian countries participating in the summit the following day. Later in the day, the Prime Minister will take part in the 14th East Asia summit.&nbsp;

The agenda of the meet would be to review the future direction of East Asia cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues.&nbsp;

The member countries participating in the summit account for 54 per cent of the world`s population and 58 per cent of the world`s GDP.

Subsequently, Modi will take part in the RCEP summit, where the leaders of the member countries will review the state of negotiations which are ongoing in Bangkok currently and will continue over the next few days.

On the sidelines of the three summits, the Prime Minister will also hold several bilaterals. He will return to New Delhi on the evening of November 4.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-day visit to Thailand on Saturday morning to participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), East Asia, and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) summits.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-day visit to Thailand on Saturday morning to participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), East Asia, and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) summits. Besides attending the meetings, Modi is scheduled to address the `Sawasdee PM Modi` community programme in Bangkok today. The Indian Prime Minister will also release a commemorative coin marking the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, as well as the release of a Thai translation of Tamil classic Tirukkural, news agency ANI reported quoting Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). On November 3, Modi will co-chair the 16th ASEAN-India summit with Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, on whose invitation he is visiting the country. Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for a 3-day visit to Thailand. He will participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), East Asia, and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) summits, during the visit. pic.twitter.com/UmGsVHBMOV — ANI (@ANI) November 2, 2019 × The meeting will take stock of the progress made in the relationship between India and the ASEAN member countries, ANI report added. The Prime Minister will attend a special lunch hosted by the Thai Prime Minister for the leaders of the East Asian countries participating in the summit the following day. Later in the day, the Prime Minister will take part in the 14th East Asia summit. The agenda of the meet would be to review the future direction of East Asia cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues. The member countries participating in the summit account for 54 per cent of the world`s population and 58 per cent of the world`s GDP. Subsequently, Modi will take part in the RCEP summit, where the leaders of the member countries will review the state of negotiations which are ongoing in Bangkok currently and will continue over the next few days. On the sidelines of the three summits, the Prime Minister will also hold several bilaterals. He will return to New Delhi on the evening of November 4.

PM Modi embarks on 3-day Thailand visit, to address community programme in Bangkok today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is currently in India, an exquisite handloom woollen khadi stole from Ladakh and a Ratnam pen.

The stole, known as 'Call of Ladakh', has an intricate traditional Ladakhi border pattern and four corner motifs, in dark wool.

The yarn is hand-spun using the finest sheep wool, on a traditional charkha, by native Ladakhi women, in the harsh winter months. The Ratnam Pen, named after KV Ratnam (originally from a family of goldsmiths in Rajahmundry) was made iconic by Mahatma Gandhi. It is still produced even today, its original form, by KV Ratnam and Sons - Ratnam Ballpen Works, a company owned by Ratnam`s descendants.

Even today, it has a barrel for filling ink using a dropper and the Genius Iridium Nib from Germany.

Notably, Mahatma Gandhi had written over 31,000 letters in his quest to take India to its freedom. Many of these letters were written using the pen that was made for him in 1934 by Ratnam, by using indigenous materials which were based upon Mahatma Gandhi's request to him to create 'swadeshi'&nbsp;(locally made) products - be it a pin or a pen.

A young Ratnam, took on the challenge and developed an ink pen which won him Mahatma Gandhi's praise, evident when the latter wrote him a letter saying, "Dear Ratnam, I have used the fountain pen and it seems to be a good substitute to the foreign pens, one sees in the bazaar."

A copy of the prized letter has been presented in a 'recycled wood'&nbsp;and brass frame, created to match the vintage aesthetic of the Ratnam pen.

Merkel is currently on a three-day visit to India. She arrived in New Delhi on Thursday and held talks with Modi on several bilateral issues the following day.

The two countries signed over 20 agreements including several in the form of Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) in artificial intelligence (AI), education, agriculture, maritime technology sectors among others.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is currently in India, an exquisite handloom woollen khadi stole from Ladakh and a Ratnam pen.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is currently in India, an exquisite handloom woollen khadi stole from Ladakh and a Ratnam pen. The stole, known as 'Call of Ladakh', has an intricate traditional Ladakhi border pattern and four corner motifs, in dark wool. The yarn is hand-spun using the finest sheep wool, on a traditional charkha, by native Ladakhi women, in the harsh winter months. The Ratnam Pen, named after KV Ratnam (originally from a family of goldsmiths in Rajahmundry) was made iconic by Mahatma Gandhi. It is still produced even today, its original form, by KV Ratnam and Sons - Ratnam Ballpen Works, a company owned by Ratnam`s descendants. Even today, it has a barrel for filling ink using a dropper and the Genius Iridium Nib from Germany. Notably, Mahatma Gandhi had written over 31,000 letters in his quest to take India to its freedom. Many of these letters were written using the pen that was made for him in 1934 by Ratnam, by using indigenous materials which were based upon Mahatma Gandhi's request to him to create 'swadeshi' (locally made) products - be it a pin or a pen. A young Ratnam, took on the challenge and developed an ink pen which won him Mahatma Gandhi's praise, evident when the latter wrote him a letter saying, "Dear Ratnam, I have used the fountain pen and it seems to be a good substitute to the foreign pens, one sees in the bazaar." A copy of the prized letter has been presented in a 'recycled wood' and brass frame, created to match the vintage aesthetic of the Ratnam pen. Merkel is currently on a three-day visit to India. She arrived in New Delhi on Thursday and held talks with Modi on several bilateral issues the following day. The two countries signed over 20 agreements including several in the form of Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) in artificial intelligence (AI), education, agriculture, maritime technology sectors among others.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifts Ladakhi woolen khadi stole, Ratnam pen to Angela Merkel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday her country will spend one billion euros ($1.12 billion) in the next five years on green urban mobility projects conceived under the new German-Indian partnership.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday her country will spend one billion euros ($1.12 billion) in the next five years on green urban mobility projects conceived under the new German-Indian partnership. ''We have launched Indo-German partnership for green urban mobility and earmarked US$1 Billion towards this,'' Merkel said. ''We will also earmark Euros 200 Million to reform bus sector in Tamil Nadu,'' she said and added, whoever has looked at pollution in Delhi yesterday would find very good arguments to replacing diesel buses with electric buses. German funds will be used to finance several environment-friendly projects such as the introduction of electric buses to replace diesel ones used for public transport in urban centres. Merkel, accompanied by several cabinet colleagues and a business delegation, held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday that focused on trade, investment, regional security and climate change. Germany is India`s largest trading partner in Europe and more than 1,700 German companies operate in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany to spend 1 billion euro in five years on green urban mobility projects in India: Merkel

A delegation of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) member countries visited the Delhi Metro on Friday where DMRC officials presented its solar success story to them.

The delegation, which also includes ministers, is currently in Delhi for attending the 2nd assembly of the ISA, according to an official statement.

The ISA was launched in 2015, with the intent of bringing together all the countries lying fully or partially between the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn on to One International platform.

Since then, ISA has grown to have 121 prospective countries with 79 signatory member countries and it is the first international body to have a secretariat in India, located at Gurugram in Haryana.

The first assembly of ISA was held in New Delhi on October 2, 2018, and the second assembly is presently being held in the national capital.

"The presentation by DMRC showcased the initiatives taken by Delhi Metro, which involves both long term tie-up of the utility-scale solar project and rooftop solar projects on metro stations. It was also discussed how it has economically benefitted the organization besides achieving the distinction of being the first Metro in the world to go green," the statement said.

DMRC Managing Director Mangu Singh highlighted that Delhi Metro is meeting 35 percent of its total energy requirement (of approximately 1,100 million units) from renewable sources and is one of the greenest metro systems in the world.

ISA Director General Upendra Tripathy commended the DMRC for its achievements in enhancing the use of solar energy and said that the metro rail operator is a role model for many other organizations to follow.

DMRC started its solar journey in October 2012, by signing an MoU with GIZ, Germany and has been making all possible efforts to contribute towards the National Solar Mission target of producing 175 GW electricity from renewable sources by 2022.

DMRC has set the target to install 50 MWp Solar PV Plant on the flat and curved roof of the stations, train depots and other buildings owned by it by 2022.To date, 32.4 MW of electricity has been operationalized on DMRC premises.

A delegation of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) member countries visited the Delhi Metro on Friday where DMRC officials presented its solar success story to them.

A delegation of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) member countries visited the Delhi Metro on Friday where DMRC officials presented its solar success story to them. The delegation, which also includes ministers, is currently in Delhi for attending the 2nd assembly of the ISA, according to an official statement. The ISA was launched in 2015, with the intent of bringing together all the countries lying fully or partially between the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn on to One International platform. Since then, ISA has grown to have 121 prospective countries with 79 signatory member countries and it is the first international body to have a secretariat in India, located at Gurugram in Haryana. The first assembly of ISA was held in New Delhi on October 2, 2018, and the second assembly is presently being held in the national capital. "The presentation by DMRC showcased the initiatives taken by Delhi Metro, which involves both long term tie-up of the utility-scale solar project and rooftop solar projects on metro stations. It was also discussed how it has economically benefitted the organization besides achieving the distinction of being the first Metro in the world to go green," the statement said. DMRC Managing Director Mangu Singh highlighted that Delhi Metro is meeting 35 percent of its total energy requirement (of approximately 1,100 million units) from renewable sources and is one of the greenest metro systems in the world. ISA Director General Upendra Tripathy commended the DMRC for its achievements in enhancing the use of solar energy and said that the metro rail operator is a role model for many other organizations to follow. DMRC started its solar journey in October 2012, by signing an MoU with GIZ, Germany and has been making all possible efforts to contribute towards the National Solar Mission target of producing 175 GW electricity from renewable sources by 2022. DMRC has set the target to install 50 MWp Solar PV Plant on the flat and curved roof of the stations, train depots and other buildings owned by it by 2022.To date, 32.4 MW of electricity has been operationalized on DMRC premises.

International Solar Alliance delegation visits Delhi Metro

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called a meeting of sub-committee of Cabinet on Saturday, to take stock of the losses that occurred to farmers following unseasonal rains.

Yesterday, he chaired a meeting of district collectors to take stock of the situation in the areas affected by unseasonal rains and issued directions for rapid relief work.

The Chief Minister also noted that the recent unseasonal rains have destroyed the harvested crops across the state and the farmers have suffered heavy losses due to the same.

"Maharashtra has witnessed unseasonal and unprecedented rains recently, due to which the farmers have suffered a huge loss across the state. I held a meeting today with the district collectors and the officers of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to discuss this issue," Fadnavis had told ANI.

He also stated that government machinery will be deployed to evaluate the extent of damages.

"We are preparing the records to give compensation to the farmers. We have sensitized insurance companies. The insurance companies would not be able to reach so many places hence the government machinery will be deployed for evaluating the extent of damage," he added.

Fadnavis further asserted that the concerned authorities and administrative officials have been directed to access the situation in different affected parts of the state.

"In case the government authorities are unable to reach the affected villages on time, the villagers can upload the photograph of the affected areas and that would be taken as proof to help the affected farmers. We will also seek help from the central government," the Chief Minister said.

He had also stated that four big cyclones have hit the state in the past four months."Due to Kyarr cyclone, Maharashtra witnessed heavy rains in the last two weeks of October. The harvested crops have been destroyed largely. Lakhs of hectares of farmlands have been destroyed in 335 tehsils here," he added.

Fadnavis also stated that a meeting of cabinet sub-committee will be called tomorrow to discuss the prevailing problem and ensure rapid relief to affected farmers.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called a meeting of sub-committee of Cabinet on Saturday, to take stock of the losses that occurred to farmers following unseasonal rains.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called a meeting of sub-committee of Cabinet on Saturday, to take stock of the losses that occurred to farmers following unseasonal rains. Yesterday, he chaired a meeting of district collectors to take stock of the situation in the areas affected by unseasonal rains and issued directions for rapid relief work. The Chief Minister also noted that the recent unseasonal rains have destroyed the harvested crops across the state and the farmers have suffered heavy losses due to the same. "Maharashtra has witnessed unseasonal and unprecedented rains recently, due to which the farmers have suffered a huge loss across the state. I held a meeting today with the district collectors and the officers of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to discuss this issue," Fadnavis had told ANI. He also stated that government machinery will be deployed to evaluate the extent of damages. "We are preparing the records to give compensation to the farmers. We have sensitized insurance companies. The insurance companies would not be able to reach so many places hence the government machinery will be deployed for evaluating the extent of damage," he added. Fadnavis further asserted that the concerned authorities and administrative officials have been directed to access the situation in different affected parts of the state. "In case the government authorities are unable to reach the affected villages on time, the villagers can upload the photograph of the affected areas and that would be taken as proof to help the affected farmers. We will also seek help from the central government," the Chief Minister said. He had also stated that four big cyclones have hit the state in the past four months."Due to Kyarr cyclone, Maharashtra witnessed heavy rains in the last two weeks of October. The harvested crops have been destroyed largely. Lakhs of hectares of farmlands have been destroyed in 335 tehsils here," he added. Fadnavis also stated that a meeting of cabinet sub-committee will be called tomorrow to discuss the prevailing problem and ensure rapid relief to affected farmers.

Maharashtra: Fadnavis calls meeting to discuss losses occurred to farmers following unseasonal rains

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced that the state government will soon implement a social security scheme to provide financial assistance to media personnel.

She made the announcement on the 'International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists'&nbsp;which is being observed today.

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Today is the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. Apart from the health insurance scheme ‘Mabhoi’ for accredited journalists, our Govt in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangla?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangla</a> is soon going to implement a social security scheme to provide financial assistance to media personnel
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&nbsp;

November 2 is marked as the 'International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists'&nbsp;after a resolution condemning attacks and violence against journalists and media workers was passed in the General Assembly Resolution in 2013.

According to the UN, the resolution urged the Member States to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced that the state government will soon implement a social security scheme to provide financial assistance to media personnel.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced that the state government will soon implement a social security scheme to provide financial assistance to media personnel. She made the announcement on the 'International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists' which is being observed today. Today is the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. Apart from the health insurance scheme ‘Mabhoi’ for accredited journalists, our Govt in #Bangla is soon going to implement a social security scheme to provide financial assistance to media personnel — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 2, 2019 × November 2 is marked as the 'International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists' after a resolution condemning attacks and violence against journalists and media workers was passed in the General Assembly Resolution in 2013. According to the UN, the resolution urged the Member States to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity.

Mamata announces to roll out social security scheme for media personnel soon

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the severe Cyclonic storm Maha which was over east-central Arabian Sea has moved further west-north westwards with a speed of 19 kilometers per hour in the past six hours.

It is very likely to move northwestwards during the next 24 hours and towards west-northwestwards between Saturday to Monday and recurve east-northeastwards towards south Gujarat coast thereafter.

"Mahe is very likely to intensify into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm over east-central Arabian sea during the next 24 hours," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Forecast Bulletin.

The weather forecast agency further forecasted that the Depression over the west-central Arabian Sea has also moved west-southwestwards with a speed of 24 kmph during the past six hours.

"It is very likely to move southwestwards across the west-central Arabian Sea maintaining the intensity of a Depression during the next 12 hours and weaken into a Well Marked Low-Pressure Area thereafter."Also, under the influence of cyclonic circulation over the Gulf of Thailand and neighbourhood, a Low-Pressure Area is likely to form over the north Andaman Sea on November 3.

"It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and concentrate into a depression over east-central Bay of Bengal during the subsequent 48 hours."

Due to the prevailing weather system, rain and thundershowers were observed yesterday at many places over Lakshadweep and at a few places over Madhya Maharashtra and at isolated places over West Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Kutch, Madhya Pradesh, Konkan and Goa.

Besides these regions, Coastal and North Interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal were also battered by rains on Friday.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the severe Cyclonic storm Maha which was over east-central Arabian Sea has moved further west-north westwards with a speed of 19 kilometers per hour in the past six hours.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the severe Cyclonic storm Maha which was over east-central Arabian Sea has moved further west-north westwards with a speed of 19 kilometers per hour in the past six hours. It is very likely to move northwestwards during the next 24 hours and towards west-northwestwards between Saturday to Monday and recurve east-northeastwards towards south Gujarat coast thereafter. "Mahe is very likely to intensify into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm over east-central Arabian sea during the next 24 hours," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Forecast Bulletin. The weather forecast agency further forecasted that the Depression over the west-central Arabian Sea has also moved west-southwestwards with a speed of 24 kmph during the past six hours. "It is very likely to move southwestwards across the west-central Arabian Sea maintaining the intensity of a Depression during the next 12 hours and weaken into a Well Marked Low-Pressure Area thereafter."Also, under the influence of cyclonic circulation over the Gulf of Thailand and neighbourhood, a Low-Pressure Area is likely to form over the north Andaman Sea on November 3. "It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and concentrate into a depression over east-central Bay of Bengal during the subsequent 48 hours." Due to the prevailing weather system, rain and thundershowers were observed yesterday at many places over Lakshadweep and at a few places over Madhya Maharashtra and at isolated places over West Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Kutch, Madhya Pradesh, Konkan and Goa. Besides these regions, Coastal and North Interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal were also battered by rains on Friday.

'Mahe' likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm over east-central Arabian sea: India Meteorological Department

The new map of India with the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has come into effect as the two Union Territories formally came into existence on October 31.

Girish Chandra Murmu, a 1985-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Gujarat cadre took oath as the first Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

On the same day, Radha Krishna Mathur was sworn-in as the first Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.

In August this year, the government revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and also bifurcated the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir with a legislature and Ladakh without legislature.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The new map of India with the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has come into effect as the two Union Territories formally came into existence on October 31.

The new map of India with the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has come into effect as the two Union Territories formally came into existence on October 31. Girish Chandra Murmu, a 1985-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Gujarat cadre took oath as the first Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. On the same day, Radha Krishna Mathur was sworn-in as the first Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. In August this year, the government revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and also bifurcated the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir with a legislature and Ladakh without legislature.

New map of India released with Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh

By Mallika Singh 
 
As Delhi’s Air Quality Index recently dropped from ‘Severe Plus’ to ‘Hazardous’ and touched 450 points on Saturday, leaders across the country have politicised the issue, leading to the declaration of a 'public health emergency'.

Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia on Saturday tweeted that stubble burning in the regions of Punjab and Haryana contributed to 46 per cent of the pollution in Delhi. He further asked the Central Government what they were doing to save North India and to curb stubble burning.

On Friday, the Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal blamed the governments of neighbouring states Haryana and Punjab for the increasing levels of pollution in Delhi. He accused them of forcing the farmers to burn their produce.

Union Environment and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar criticised Kejriwal’s remarks and said that he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/javadekar-urges-kejriwal-to-find-solutions-to-mitigate-pollution-and-stop-blame-game-259508">“indulging in a blame game”</a>. Javadekar urged him to tackle the problem while stating that the Delhi government did not pay its share in the construction of the Eastern Peripheral Highway which has helped bring down pollution in the city.

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It is unfortunate that Delhi CM <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a> is politicising the issue of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirPollution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirPollution</a> &amp; instigating students to write a letter to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Haryana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Haryana</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Punjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Punjab</a> CMs to show them in bad light and present them as villains.<a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Delhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/UXiwg3h3NQ">pic.twitter.com/UXiwg3h3NQ</a>
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Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to establish a “consensus without further delay'' to stop pollution.&nbsp;

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/india-news/in-view-of-pollution-open-activities-to-be-restricted-in-haryana-schools-dushyant-chautala-259547">Haryana</a> Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala urged the leaders to rise above politics and to take a collective stand to combat the situation “once and for all”. Additionally, he asked the Central Government to take the lead.

Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday tweeted a picture mocking Delhi Tourism quoting ‘Delhi is injurious to health’, for which he faced backlash.

The Delhi government on Friday declared that all schools would be shut till November 5. He added that 50 lakh masks will be distributed among the students.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court is set to consider a report on Monday drafted by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPPCA)&nbsp;related to the health emergency.

Additionally, a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra will hear a plea on Monday regarding the pollution caused in the city due to stubble burning in the neighbouring states.&nbsp;

The EPPCA, besides declaring a state of public health emergency in Delhi NCR has also imposed a ban on all construction activities till November 5.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, Delhi is expected to receive <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/delhi-may-receive-rainfall-after-november-6-imd-259507">rainfall after November 6</a> due to an increase in wind speed, which might help bring down the pollution.

By Mallika Singh As Delhi’s Air Quality Index recently dropped from ‘Severe Plus’ to ‘Hazardous’ and touched 450 points on Saturday, leaders across the country have politicised the issue, leading to the declaration of a 'public health emergency'.

By Mallika Singh As Delhi’s Air Quality Index recently dropped from ‘Severe Plus’ to ‘Hazardous’ and touched 450 points on Saturday, leaders across the country have politicised the issue, leading to the declaration of a 'public health emergency'. Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia on Saturday tweeted that stubble burning in the regions of Punjab and Haryana contributed to 46 per cent of the pollution in Delhi. He further asked the Central Government what they were doing to save North India and to curb stubble burning. On Friday, the Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal blamed the governments of neighbouring states Haryana and Punjab for the increasing levels of pollution in Delhi. He accused them of forcing the farmers to burn their produce. Union Environment and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar criticised Kejriwal’s remarks and said that he was “indulging in a blame game”. Javadekar urged him to tackle the problem while stating that the Delhi government did not pay its share in the construction of the Eastern Peripheral Highway which has helped bring down pollution in the city. It is unfortunate that Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal is politicising the issue of #AirPollution & instigating students to write a letter to #Haryana & #Punjab CMs to show them in bad light and present them as villains.@BJP4India @BJP4Delhi pic.twitter.com/UXiwg3h3NQ — Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) November 2, 2019 × Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to establish a “consensus without further delay'' to stop pollution. Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala urged the leaders to rise above politics and to take a collective stand to combat the situation “once and for all”. Additionally, he asked the Central Government to take the lead. Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday tweeted a picture mocking Delhi Tourism quoting ‘Delhi is injurious to health’, for which he faced backlash. The Delhi government on Friday declared that all schools would be shut till November 5. He added that 50 lakh masks will be distributed among the students. The Supreme Court is set to consider a report on Monday drafted by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPPCA) related to the health emergency. Additionally, a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra will hear a plea on Monday regarding the pollution caused in the city due to stubble burning in the neighbouring states. The EPPCA, besides declaring a state of public health emergency in Delhi NCR has also imposed a ban on all construction activities till November 5. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, Delhi is expected to receive rainfall after November 6 due to an increase in wind speed, which might help bring down the pollution.

Political blame game over Delhi pollution

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