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Pakistan resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir`s Hiranagar sector.

Pakistani rangers violated ceasefire last night and continued till 5:30 am today.

The neighbouring army targeted civilian areas.

The BSF retaliated effectively.Pakistan security forces from the past few weeks have been resorting to unprovoked firing.

According to Border Security Forces (BSF), "Pakistan Rangers resorted unprovoked firing in the Hiranagar sector last night till today at 5:30 am. Pakistan rangers once again targetted civilian areas, BSF effectively retaliated."

No casualties have been reported so far.

However, a couple of houses situated near the border were damaged following the ceasefire violation.

"Due to the firing, our goat shed caught fire and we had to take the help of other locals to rescue the animals. We had to call the fire station also," said a local while speaking to ANI.&nbsp;

Pakistan resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir`s Hiranagar sector. Pakistani rangers violated ceasefire last night and continued till 5:30 am today.

Pakistan resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir`s Hiranagar sector. Pakistani rangers violated ceasefire last night and continued till 5:30 am today. The neighbouring army targeted civilian areas. The BSF retaliated effectively.Pakistan security forces from the past few weeks have been resorting to unprovoked firing. According to Border Security Forces (BSF), "Pakistan Rangers resorted unprovoked firing in the Hiranagar sector last night till today at 5:30 am. Pakistan rangers once again targetted civilian areas, BSF effectively retaliated." No casualties have been reported so far. However, a couple of houses situated near the border were damaged following the ceasefire violation. "Due to the firing, our goat shed caught fire and we had to take the help of other locals to rescue the animals. We had to call the fire station also," said a local while speaking to ANI.

J&K: Pakistan violates ceasefire in Hiranagar sector, targets civilian areas

Delhi air quality remained poor for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday with overall Air Quality Index (AQI) docking at 266.

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the pollution level will plunge tomorrow with the AQI oscillating between 'poor'&nbsp;to 'moderate'&nbsp;category.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.

AQI was 313 in Dhirpur at 8:30 am and it dipped to `very poor` category at 306 in Mathura Road area. AQI near Pusa, Airport, Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 245, 290 and 300 respectively.

The organisation has advised 'Sensitive Groups'&nbsp;to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

The locals are advised to take more breaks and do less intense activities.

The asthmatics have been advised to keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur.

"Heart patients, see the doctor, if get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," the organisation stated in its advisory.

Starting October 15, strict measures to combat the menace of air pollution will come into force in the national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad as part of the Graded Response Action Plan, which was first implemented in Delhi-NCR in 2017.&nbsp;

Delhi air quality remained poor for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday with overall Air Quality Index (AQI) docking at 266. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the pollution level will plunge tomorrow with the AQI oscillating between 'poor' to 'moderate' category.

Delhi air quality remained poor for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday with overall Air Quality Index (AQI) docking at 266. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the pollution level will plunge tomorrow with the AQI oscillating between 'poor' to 'moderate' category. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous. AQI was 313 in Dhirpur at 8:30 am and it dipped to `very poor` category at 306 in Mathura Road area. AQI near Pusa, Airport, Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 245, 290 and 300 respectively. The organisation has advised 'Sensitive Groups' to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. The locals are advised to take more breaks and do less intense activities. The asthmatics have been advised to keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. "Heart patients, see the doctor, if get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," the organisation stated in its advisory. Starting October 15, strict measures to combat the menace of air pollution will come into force in the national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad as part of the Graded Response Action Plan, which was first implemented in Delhi-NCR in 2017.

Delhi air quality poor for fourth consecutive day

Eight people died, five others were injured and one person was missing after a vehicle fell into Kali river in Tharali Tehsil on Sunday. 
 
State Disaster Response Force Superintendent of Police Tripti Bhatt informed: "A vehicle with 14 people on board fell into Kali river in an accident. Eight persons have died, five are injured and one is missing." 
 
"One person, Ram aged 40 years, is critically injured and he has been referred to a nearby hospital for better medical attention," she added. 
 
Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat expressed grief over the road accident in Tharali Tehsil and instructed the District Magistrate to provide immediate assistance to the families of the deceased as well as to make proper arrangements for the treatment of the injured. 
 
Rawat has also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. 
 
"In this hour of sorrow, along with providing patience to the families of deceased, we wish for the early recovery of the injured," The Chief Minister said in an official

Eight people died, five others were injured and one person was missing after a vehicle fell into Kali river in Tharali Tehsil on Sunday. State Disaster Response Force Superintendent of Police Tripti Bhatt informed: "A vehicle with 14 people on board fell into Kali river in an accident.

Eight people died, five others were injured and one person was missing after a vehicle fell into Kali river in Tharali Tehsil on Sunday. State Disaster Response Force Superintendent of Police Tripti Bhatt informed: "A vehicle with 14 people on board fell into Kali river in an accident. Eight persons have died, five are injured and one is missing." "One person, Ram aged 40 years, is critically injured and he has been referred to a nearby hospital for better medical attention," she added. Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat expressed grief over the road accident in Tharali Tehsil and instructed the District Magistrate to provide immediate assistance to the families of the deceased as well as to make proper arrangements for the treatment of the injured. Rawat has also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. "In this hour of sorrow, along with providing patience to the families of deceased, we wish for the early recovery of the injured," The Chief Minister said in an official

Uttarakhand: Eight dead, five injured as vehicle falls into river

An Army jawan was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Sunday. 
 
Indian Army is retaliating effectively. Further details in this regard are awaited. 
 
Earlier on Saturday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-in-hiranagar-sector-targets-civilian-areas-255571">Pakistan resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire in Hiranagar</a> sector that continued till 5:30 am today. 
 
The number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has gone up significantly this year compared to 2018. 
 
"2317 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in 2019 till October 10 while 147 terrorists have been killed in different operations by the security forces on the Line of Control (LoC) and hinterland," Indian Army sources had said. 
 
In 2018, the total number of ceasefire violations was 1629.

An Army jawan was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Sunday. Indian Army is retaliating effectively.

An Army jawan was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Sunday. Indian Army is retaliating effectively. Further details in this regard are awaited. Earlier on Saturday, Pakistan resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire in Hiranagar sector that continued till 5:30 am today. The number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has gone up significantly this year compared to 2018. "2317 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in 2019 till October 10 while 147 terrorists have been killed in different operations by the security forces on the Line of Control (LoC) and hinterland," Indian Army sources had said. In 2018, the total number of ceasefire violations was 1629.

Army jawan killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in J&K's Uri

India, one of the world's largest consumers of oil and coal, is investing $60 billion to build a national gas grid and import terminals by 2024 in a bid to cut its carbon emissions, the oil minister said on Sunday.

India has struggled to boost its use of gas, which produces less greenhouse gas emissions than coal and oil, because many industries and towns are not linked to the gas pipeline network.

Gas consumption growth was running at 11 per cent&nbsp;in 2010 but growth slid to just 2.5 per cent&nbsp;in the financial year 2018/19.

Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters at India Energy Forum by Ceraweek that companies were investing $60 billion in the network and building new gas import facilities to link all states by mid-2024 when the government's term ends.

"I am not talking about a potential investment. This number relates to the project that is under execution," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously set a target to more than double the share of gas in India's energy mix to 15 per cent&nbsp;by 2030.

India's biggest gas utility Gail Ltd&nbsp;has said it was close to completing the 2,660 km&nbsp;Urja Ganga pipeline project, connecting the eastern states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. The pipeline will have the capacity for 16 million standard cubic metres per day (mscmd) of gas.

"The Urja Ganga project ... will be ready by the end of 2020," Pradhan said on the conference sidelines.

India's overall gas consumption is about 166 mscmd.

The minister said the government had started building the northeast gas grid to connect eight states in northeastern India, a region bordering Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and China. He said the grid would be ready by 2023.

He added that, before the end of the government's current term, "India will be connected by a pipeline ring that will help transport gas from any corner of India to a demand centre."

Most of India's liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals are in the west, making it difficult for the industry in the east and elsewhere to secure regular gas supplies.

India, one of the world's largest consumers of oil and coal, is investing $60 billion to build a national gas grid and import terminals by 2024 in a bid to cut its carbon emissions, the oil minister said on Sunday.

India, one of the world's largest consumers of oil and coal, is investing $60 billion to build a national gas grid and import terminals by 2024 in a bid to cut its carbon emissions, the oil minister said on Sunday. India has struggled to boost its use of gas, which produces less greenhouse gas emissions than coal and oil, because many industries and towns are not linked to the gas pipeline network. Gas consumption growth was running at 11 per cent in 2010 but growth slid to just 2.5 per cent in the financial year 2018/19. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters at India Energy Forum by Ceraweek that companies were investing $60 billion in the network and building new gas import facilities to link all states by mid-2024 when the government's term ends. "I am not talking about a potential investment. This number relates to the project that is under execution," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously set a target to more than double the share of gas in India's energy mix to 15 per cent by 2030. India's biggest gas utility Gail Ltd has said it was close to completing the 2,660 km Urja Ganga pipeline project, connecting the eastern states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. The pipeline will have the capacity for 16 million standard cubic metres per day (mscmd) of gas. "The Urja Ganga project ... will be ready by the end of 2020," Pradhan said on the conference sidelines. India's overall gas consumption is about 166 mscmd. The minister said the government had started building the northeast gas grid to connect eight states in northeastern India, a region bordering Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and China. He said the grid would be ready by 2023. He added that, before the end of the government's current term, "India will be connected by a pipeline ring that will help transport gas from any corner of India to a demand centre." Most of India's liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals are in the west, making it difficult for the industry in the east and elsewhere to secure regular gas supplies.

India investing $60 billion on gas grid to link up nation by 2024

In line with the central government's push to make India a major defence manufacturing hub, a firm based in Karnataka's Bengaluru&nbsp;has developed the country's first indigenous sniper rifle prototypes that are meant for use by the Indian armed forces. 
 
SSS Defence, which has developed two sniper rifles, is hoping to lead the way for India to become an arms manufacturing and exporting hub. 
 
"We started designing and developing these rifles after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/make-in-india-bullet-resistant-jackets-are-safer-lighter-cheaper-paswan-253870">'Make in India'</a> came in the defence sector. We became one of the few manufacturers allowed to develop arms in the country. These two weapons are entirely made indigenously," SSS Defence Managing Director (MD) Satish R Machani told ANI on Sunday. 
 
The 61-year-old company earlier used to manufacture components (mainly springs) for the automotive industry. 
 
"We have also been supplying components for the defence sector. Our idea is to have a complete system of arms for our forces and we eventually hope to become an arms exporter. Obviously, we have to put in a lot more work to make our weapons global level but we have an excellent Research and Development centre," Machani said. 
 
The company is also constructing an 80,000 sq ft arms factory in Jigani for its manufacturing unit. 
 
Explaining the working of the weapons, CEO Vivek Krishnan said: "We have developed high-end sniper rifles [with] calibre 7.62x51 mm and .338 Lapua Magnum platforms. Each rifle uses a barreled action that is inspected, gauged, hand-worked and accurized. The barrel length options range from 20 inches to 24 inches, based on the mission criteria and use environments."

In line with the central government's push to make India a major defence manufacturing hub, a firm based in Karnataka's Bengaluru has developed the country's first indigenous sniper rifle prototypes that are meant for use by the Indian armed forces.

In line with the central government's push to make India a major defence manufacturing hub, a firm based in Karnataka's Bengaluru has developed the country's first indigenous sniper rifle prototypes that are meant for use by the Indian armed forces. SSS Defence, which has developed two sniper rifles, is hoping to lead the way for India to become an arms manufacturing and exporting hub. "We started designing and developing these rifles after 'Make in India' came in the defence sector. We became one of the few manufacturers allowed to develop arms in the country. These two weapons are entirely made indigenously," SSS Defence Managing Director (MD) Satish R Machani told ANI on Sunday. The 61-year-old company earlier used to manufacture components (mainly springs) for the automotive industry. "We have also been supplying components for the defence sector. Our idea is to have a complete system of arms for our forces and we eventually hope to become an arms exporter. Obviously, we have to put in a lot more work to make our weapons global level but we have an excellent Research and Development centre," Machani said. The company is also constructing an 80,000 sq ft arms factory in Jigani for its manufacturing unit. Explaining the working of the weapons, CEO Vivek Krishnan said: "We have developed high-end sniper rifles [with] calibre 7.62x51 mm and .338 Lapua Magnum platforms. Each rifle uses a barreled action that is inspected, gauged, hand-worked and accurized. The barrel length options range from 20 inches to 24 inches, based on the mission criteria and use environments."

Two sniper rifles developed by Bengaluru-based firm

Ahead of the Assembly elections slated for October 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will address public rallies in Maharashtra Jalgaon and Sakoli, campaigning for the second consecutive term for the BJP-led government in the state.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is also scheduled to address rallies in Chandivali, Dharavi and Latur.

"Will be campaigning in Maharashtra tomorrow. Looking forward to addressing rallies in Jalgaon and Sakoli. The NDA is going to the people based on the stellar work of our Government led by the youthful and visionary CM @Dev_Fadnavis Ji. We seek five more years to serve the state," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Will be campaigning in Maharashtra tomorrow. Looking forward to addressing rallies in Jalgaon and Sakoli. The NDA is going to the people based on the stellar work of our Government led by the youthful and visionary CM <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dev_Fadnavis</a> Ji. We seek five more years to serve the state.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1183041294244962309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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BJP is contesting on 150 seats and its ally Shiv Sena on 124 constituencies in Maharashtra. Alliance partners of BJP have fielded 14 candidates on party's lotus symbol.

Meanwhile, the Congress is contesting the polls in alliance with the NCP. Both parties are contesting on 125 seats each in the 288-member Assembly and its allies on the remaining 38 seats.

The voting for the 288-member Assembly will be held on October 21 in a single phase. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Ahead of the Assembly elections slated for October 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will address public rallies in Maharashtra Jalgaon and Sakoli, campaigning for the second consecutive term for the BJP-led government in the state.

Ahead of the Assembly elections slated for October 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will address public rallies in Maharashtra Jalgaon and Sakoli, campaigning for the second consecutive term for the BJP-led government in the state. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is also scheduled to address rallies in Chandivali, Dharavi and Latur. "Will be campaigning in Maharashtra tomorrow. Looking forward to addressing rallies in Jalgaon and Sakoli. The NDA is going to the people based on the stellar work of our Government led by the youthful and visionary CM @Dev_Fadnavis Ji. We seek five more years to serve the state," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Will be campaigning in Maharashtra tomorrow. Looking forward to addressing rallies in Jalgaon and Sakoli. The NDA is going to the people based on the stellar work of our Government led by the youthful and visionary CM @Dev_Fadnavis Ji. We seek five more years to serve the state. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 12, 2019 × BJP is contesting on 150 seats and its ally Shiv Sena on 124 constituencies in Maharashtra. Alliance partners of BJP have fielded 14 candidates on party's lotus symbol. Meanwhile, the Congress is contesting the polls in alliance with the NCP. Both parties are contesting on 125 seats each in the 288-member Assembly and its allies on the remaining 38 seats. The voting for the 288-member Assembly will be held on October 21 in a single phase. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi to rally for Maharashtra Assembly polls on Sunday

Ahead of Assembly polls in the state, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-died-in-bihar-due-to-illicit-liquor-23058">Election Commission officials</a> on Sunday seized illicit liquor worth Rs 70,000 in Malabar hill Assembly constituency here. 
 
Last week, EC officials&nbsp;seized Rs 63.09 lakh&nbsp;cash from two different places in Mumbai. 
 
Maharashtra will go to polls on October 21 and the counting of votes will take place on October 24.

Ahead of Assembly polls in the state, Election Commission officials on Sunday seized illicit liquor worth Rs 70,000 in Malabar hill Assembly constituency here. Last week, EC officials seized Rs 63.

Ahead of Assembly polls in the state, Election Commission officials on Sunday seized illicit liquor worth Rs 70,000 in Malabar hill Assembly constituency here. Last week, EC officials seized Rs 63.09 lakh cash from two different places in Mumbai. Maharashtra will go to polls on October 21 and the counting of votes will take place on October 24.

Election Commission seizes illicit liquor worth Rs 73,000 in Mumbai ahead of elections

The crucial meet of the Financial action task force(FATF), the global anti-terror financing body will begin today in Paris which will decide if <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-arrests-four-aides-of-hafiz-saeed-ahead-of-fatf-meet-255068">Pakistan will be put</a> on the blacklist or removed from the greylist.

The week-long meet will finish next Friday. It is for the first time a full-fledged plenary meeting is taking place under the new Chinese presidency of Xiangmin Liu.

A five-member Pakistani team led by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-prepares-compliance-report-as-fatf-meeting-approaches-254992">Hammad Azhar, the federal minister </a>for economic affairs of the country has reached Paris for the meet.

In early 2019, the former President of FATF, Marshall Billingslea, had said that the country has to do "significant work to meet the obligations they themselves undertook" as part of there high-level commitments and the country is "lacks in almost every respect of action plan."

FATF is a technical body, whose main aim is to protect the international financial system and the 30-year-old body works on the consensus of member countries.

The meet takes place after the Asia Pacific Group (APG) of the FATF&nbsp;had released the mutual evaluation report of Pakistan taken up during the August meet in Australia in which the country had not done well.

The report had said that Islamabad hasn't taken sufficient action to implement sanctions under the United Nation Security Committee of 1267 on 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed and country "faces significant money laundering and terror financing risks".

Pakistan was put on greylist by the FATF last year and which caused a loss of $10 billion to the Pakistan economy annually.

A blacklist will have a further detrimental impact on a weak Pakistani economy as investors won't be keen to invest in a country that is prone to terror financing.

The crucial meet of the Financial action task force(FATF), the global anti-terror financing body will begin today in Paris which will decide if Pakistan will be put on the blacklist or removed from the greylist.

The crucial meet of the Financial action task force(FATF), the global anti-terror financing body will begin today in Paris which will decide if Pakistan will be put on the blacklist or removed from the greylist. The week-long meet will finish next Friday. It is for the first time a full-fledged plenary meeting is taking place under the new Chinese presidency of Xiangmin Liu. A five-member Pakistani team led by Hammad Azhar, the federal minister for economic affairs of the country has reached Paris for the meet. In early 2019, the former President of FATF, Marshall Billingslea, had said that the country has to do "significant work to meet the obligations they themselves undertook" as part of there high-level commitments and the country is "lacks in almost every respect of action plan." FATF is a technical body, whose main aim is to protect the international financial system and the 30-year-old body works on the consensus of member countries. The meet takes place after the Asia Pacific Group (APG) of the FATF had released the mutual evaluation report of Pakistan taken up during the August meet in Australia in which the country had not done well. The report had said that Islamabad hasn't taken sufficient action to implement sanctions under the United Nation Security Committee of 1267 on 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed and country "faces significant money laundering and terror financing risks". Pakistan was put on greylist by the FATF last year and which caused a loss of $10 billion to the Pakistan economy annually. A blacklist will have a further detrimental impact on a weak Pakistani economy as investors won't be keen to invest in a country that is prone to terror financing.

FATF meet to begin in Paris today; outcome to decide Pak's fate on terror listing

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-encouraging-e-vehicles-by-reducing-gst-says-nitin-gadkari-at-wions-emobility-summit-253008">Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari</a> will inaugurate a conference on 'One Nation One Fastag' in the national capital on Monday. 
 
The conference will see the signing of Memorandums of Understanding&nbsp;(MoUs) with state departments and other agencies for bringing in a unified electronic tolling solution across the country. 
 
"This would mean enabling the use of the same Fastag affixed on the windscreen of a vehicle at every toll plaza in the country under the jurisdiction of different states and agencies and other entities. This will help provide seamless services to consumers across the country," an official statement said. 
 
Another MoU is expected to be signed tomorrow, between the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) and Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) for the integration of Fastag with GST E-Way Bill System. 
 
The GST Council has already accorded 'in-principle' approval for this integration. 
 
"The integration of EWB system with Fastag will help revenue authorities <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/looking-for-integrated-approach-to-solve-problems-says-nitin-gadkari-at-wions-emobility-summit-253033">track the movement of vehicles</a> and ensure that they are travelling to the same destination that the transporter or the trader had specified while generating the e-way bill," said the statement. 
 
MoS in the Road Transport and Highways Ministry General (Retd) VK Singh will also be present on the occasion, along with ministers and senior officials from state governments.

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari will inaugurate a conference on 'One Nation One Fastag' in the national capital on Monday. The conference will see the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with state departments and other agencies for bringing in a unified electronic tolling solution across the country.

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari will inaugurate a conference on 'One Nation One Fastag' in the national capital on Monday. The conference will see the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with state departments and other agencies for bringing in a unified electronic tolling solution across the country. "This would mean enabling the use of the same Fastag affixed on the windscreen of a vehicle at every toll plaza in the country under the jurisdiction of different states and agencies and other entities. This will help provide seamless services to consumers across the country," an official statement said. Another MoU is expected to be signed tomorrow, between the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) and Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) for the integration of Fastag with GST E-Way Bill System. The GST Council has already accorded 'in-principle' approval for this integration. "The integration of EWB system with Fastag will help revenue authorities track the movement of vehicles and ensure that they are travelling to the same destination that the transporter or the trader had specified while generating the e-way bill," said the statement. MoS in the Road Transport and Highways Ministry General (Retd) VK Singh will also be present on the occasion, along with ministers and senior officials from state governments.

Nitin Gadkari to inaugurate conference on 'one nation, one fastag' tomorrow

Environmentalists on Sunday paid tribute&nbsp;to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-asks-maharashtra-government-to-not-cut-more-trees-in-aarey-forest-254181">trees which were felled in Aarey colony</a>&nbsp;by the authorities to construct a car shed for Mumbai Metro. 
 
They lit candles at the spot where around 2,000 trees were cut by the authorities earlier this month. 
 
The Supreme Court, on October 7, had ordered the Maharashtra government not to axe any more trees in Mumbai's Aarey colony and maintain status quo till further orders. 
 
Prior to this, the Bombay High Court had upheld the permission granted to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) tree authority to axe tree to make a metro-car shed. 
 
The metro corporation said that on October 4 and 5, it axed over 2,185 trees in the area in concurrence with the order of the High Court. 
 
Earlier, a protest broke out in the area after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aarey-row-29-protesters-released-from-thane-jail-254162">Bombay High Court dismissed all the petitions challenging the felling of trees</a>. This led police to issue prohibitory orders, thereby banning unlawful assembly. 
 
Following the imposition of the orders, scores of protesters were held and sent to judicial custody. They were, however, released on bail the next day.

Environmentalists on Sunday paid tribute to the trees which were felled in Aarey colony by the authorities to construct a car shed for Mumbai Metro. They lit candles at the spot where around 2,000 trees were cut by the authorities earlier this month.

Environmentalists on Sunday paid tribute to the trees which were felled in Aarey colony by the authorities to construct a car shed for Mumbai Metro. They lit candles at the spot where around 2,000 trees were cut by the authorities earlier this month. The Supreme Court, on October 7, had ordered the Maharashtra government not to axe any more trees in Mumbai's Aarey colony and maintain status quo till further orders. Prior to this, the Bombay High Court had upheld the permission granted to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) tree authority to axe tree to make a metro-car shed. The metro corporation said that on October 4 and 5, it axed over 2,185 trees in the area in concurrence with the order of the High Court. Earlier, a protest broke out in the area after the Bombay High Court dismissed all the petitions challenging the felling of trees. This led police to issue prohibitory orders, thereby banning unlawful assembly. Following the imposition of the orders, scores of protesters were held and sent to judicial custody. They were, however, released on bail the next day.

Environmentalists pay tribute to trees felled in Aarey colony

Police on Sunday busted a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fake-currency-notes-printing-unit-busted-one-held-in-tamil-nadu-141749">fake currency printing unit</a> in Idigarai in Coimbatore. Five persons including a woman have been arrested.

The accused have been identified as Boopathy, Dhanraj, Praveen Kumar and Ranjith. The&nbsp;arrested woman is Ranjith's wife. 
 
Fake currency amounting to Rs 14 lakh in Rs 100, 200, 500 and 2000 denominations have been seized by police from the accused. 
 
Further investigation is underway.

Police on Sunday busted a fake currency printing unit in Idigarai in Coimbatore. Five persons including a woman have been arrested. The accused have been identified as Boopathy, Dhanraj, Praveen Kumar and Ranjith.

Police on Sunday busted a fake currency printing unit in Idigarai in Coimbatore. Five persons including a woman have been arrested. The accused have been identified as Boopathy, Dhanraj, Praveen Kumar and Ranjith. The arrested woman is Ranjith's wife. Fake currency amounting to Rs 14 lakh in Rs 100, 200, 500 and 2000 denominations have been seized by police from the accused. Further investigation is underway.

Counterfeit currency unit busted in Coimbatore, five held

Pakistan-backed terror groups are using <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-to-probe-incidents-of-pakistan-drones-smuggling-arms-into-india-253236">small drones to smuggle weapons and narcotics into India</a>, in view of which the security forces have been given clearance to shoot down drones flying at 1,000 feet or below. 
 
"Security agencies deployed along the international border have been given the clearance to shoot down drone crossing the boundary and flying at 1,000 feet and below," government sources told ANI. 
 
For any drone flying at heights above 1,000 feet, the final clearance will have to be taken from the agencies concerned as the flying object can be an aeroplane also, the sources said. 
 
Recently, the security forces including the Border Security Force have been spotting small drones crossing the international border in Punjab where the Chinese-origin unmanned aerial vehicles have even been used to supply assault rifles and drugs. 
 
Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at Hussainiwala border post in Ferozepur spotted a drone on Monday night entering into India from the Pakistani border. A search operation was launched after Punjab police were informed about the development. The local police are investigating the matter," BSF sources had said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-spots-drone-along-india-pakistan-border-254531">The sightings come amid escalated tensions between India and Pakistan</a> over the Kashmir issue.

Pakistan-backed terror groups are using small drones to smuggle weapons and narcotics into India, in view of which the security forces have been given clearance to shoot down drones flying at 1,000 feet or below.

Pakistan-backed terror groups are using small drones to smuggle weapons and narcotics into India, in view of which the security forces have been given clearance to shoot down drones flying at 1,000 feet or below. "Security agencies deployed along the international border have been given the clearance to shoot down drone crossing the boundary and flying at 1,000 feet and below," government sources told ANI. For any drone flying at heights above 1,000 feet, the final clearance will have to be taken from the agencies concerned as the flying object can be an aeroplane also, the sources said. Recently, the security forces including the Border Security Force have been spotting small drones crossing the international border in Punjab where the Chinese-origin unmanned aerial vehicles have even been used to supply assault rifles and drugs. Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at Hussainiwala border post in Ferozepur spotted a drone on Monday night entering into India from the Pakistani border. A search operation was launched after Punjab police were informed about the development. The local police are investigating the matter," BSF sources had said. The sightings come amid escalated tensions between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue.

Security forces cleared to shoot down drones flying at 1000 feet amid sightings across border

India has announced significant relaxations in its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/good-discussion-on-trade-terror-kashmir-issue-wasnt-raised-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-sums-up-modi-xi-summit-255452">e-visa policy</a> for Chinese nationals, the Indian embassy in Beijing said, at a time when the leaders of the two nations had met for the second informal summit.

"From October 2019 onwards, Chinese nationals can apply for an e-Tourist visa (e-TV) of a 5-year validity with multiple entries. The visa fee for this 5-year multiple entry e-TV will be $80," a statement by the embassy reads.

Furthermore, it has been decided that the prospective tourists can avail of single-entry 30-day validity e-TV at a reduced visa fee of $25, while for a 30-day e-TV during the months of April to June, the visa fee will be only $10.

The one-year multiple-entry e-TV will continue to be offered but at a reduced visa fee of $40, the release said.

In addition to the above, e-TV, the existing e-medical visa, e-conference visa, and the one-year multiple-entry e-business visa will continue to be issued from the online platform of Indian visas.

It is anticipated that this unilateral liberalisation of e-TV for Chinese nationals will further enhance people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and encourage more Chinese tourists to choose India as a destination for tourism purposes, the release read.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India has announced significant relaxations in its e-visa policy for Chinese nationals, the Indian embassy in Beijing said, at a time when the leaders of the two nations had met for the second informal summit.

India has announced significant relaxations in its e-visa policy for Chinese nationals, the Indian embassy in Beijing said, at a time when the leaders of the two nations had met for the second informal summit. "From October 2019 onwards, Chinese nationals can apply for an e-Tourist visa (e-TV) of a 5-year validity with multiple entries. The visa fee for this 5-year multiple entry e-TV will be $80," a statement by the embassy reads. Furthermore, it has been decided that the prospective tourists can avail of single-entry 30-day validity e-TV at a reduced visa fee of $25, while for a 30-day e-TV during the months of April to June, the visa fee will be only $10. The one-year multiple-entry e-TV will continue to be offered but at a reduced visa fee of $40, the release said. In addition to the above, e-TV, the existing e-medical visa, e-conference visa, and the one-year multiple-entry e-business visa will continue to be issued from the online platform of Indian visas. It is anticipated that this unilateral liberalisation of e-TV for Chinese nationals will further enhance people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and encourage more Chinese tourists to choose India as a destination for tourism purposes, the release read.

India relaxes e-visa policy for Chinese nationals

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached immovable properties worth Rs 4,025.23 crore of Bhushan Power &amp; Steel Limited (BPSL) in an alleged bank fraud case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).

"Enforcement Directorate has attached immovable properties totalling Rs 4025.23 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) in a bank fraud case against M/s Bhushan Power &amp; Steel Limited (BPSL).&nbsp;The attached assets include land, building, plant and machinery of Bhushan Power &amp; Steel Limited Odisha," said an official press release.

The investigation under the PMLA was initiated by the ED.

The CBI registered the FIR "under Section 120-B read with 420, 468, 471 and 477A of the Indian Penal Code and Section 13(2) read with 13(1) (d) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against M/s Bhushan Power and Steel Ltd. (BPSL), Sanjay Singal, the then CMD and others."

According to ED, the investigation conducted under the PMLA revealed that "BPSL had used various modus operandi to siphon funds obtained as loans from various banks/financial institutions."

"An amount of Rs 695.14 crore was introduced as the capital by Sanjay Singal and his family members in BPSL out of artificially generated Long Term Capital Gains (LTCG) by the diversion of bank loans fund of BPSL. LTCG was exempted from Income Tax during the relevant time," read the release.

"BPSL had made payments to various entities by way of RTGS against fictitious purchases of capital goods. In lieu of the RTGS payments, these entities had transferred cash to BPSL, which was ultimately traced to have been used for the generation of artificial LTCG by jacking up the prices of penny stocks by way of synchronized trading," it said.

ED said that "another amount of Rs 3,330.09 crore invested as equity (share capital and premium) by promoter companies was also found to have been routed out of the funds obtained as various loans from banks diverted from accounts of BPSL in the shape of advances shown to various shell companies operated by the different entry operators."

ED investigations till date have revealed "circular diversion of funds" totalling Rs 4025.23 crore which is related to criminal activity of scheduled offence.

"These proceeds of crime were laundered by way of introduction into the books of accounts as equity for window dressing the debt-equity ratio.

Investigations have further revealed that, during the relevant period when the loan funds were diverted and reintroduced as equity, BPSL had acquired land, building and plant and machinery worth thousands of crores of Rupees at its Odisha plant," read the release.

The agency said that the quantification of proceeds of crime as Rs 4025.23 crore is "interim" as of now and investigation to identify further proceeds of crime is underway.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached immovable properties worth Rs 4,025.23 crore of Bhushan Power & Steel Limited (BPSL) in an alleged bank fraud case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached immovable properties worth Rs 4,025.23 crore of Bhushan Power & Steel Limited (BPSL) in an alleged bank fraud case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). "Enforcement Directorate has attached immovable properties totalling Rs 4025.23 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) in a bank fraud case against M/s Bhushan Power & Steel Limited (BPSL). The attached assets include land, building, plant and machinery of Bhushan Power & Steel Limited Odisha," said an official press release. The investigation under the PMLA was initiated by the ED. The CBI registered the FIR "under Section 120-B read with 420, 468, 471 and 477A of the Indian Penal Code and Section 13(2) read with 13(1) (d) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against M/s Bhushan Power and Steel Ltd. (BPSL), Sanjay Singal, the then CMD and others." According to ED, the investigation conducted under the PMLA revealed that "BPSL had used various modus operandi to siphon funds obtained as loans from various banks/financial institutions." "An amount of Rs 695.14 crore was introduced as the capital by Sanjay Singal and his family members in BPSL out of artificially generated Long Term Capital Gains (LTCG) by the diversion of bank loans fund of BPSL. LTCG was exempted from Income Tax during the relevant time," read the release. "BPSL had made payments to various entities by way of RTGS against fictitious purchases of capital goods. In lieu of the RTGS payments, these entities had transferred cash to BPSL, which was ultimately traced to have been used for the generation of artificial LTCG by jacking up the prices of penny stocks by way of synchronized trading," it said. ED said that "another amount of Rs 3,330.09 crore invested as equity (share capital and premium) by promoter companies was also found to have been routed out of the funds obtained as various loans from banks diverted from accounts of BPSL in the shape of advances shown to various shell companies operated by the different entry operators." ED investigations till date have revealed "circular diversion of funds" totalling Rs 4025.23 crore which is related to criminal activity of scheduled offence. "These proceeds of crime were laundered by way of introduction into the books of accounts as equity for window dressing the debt-equity ratio. Investigations have further revealed that, during the relevant period when the loan funds were diverted and reintroduced as equity, BPSL had acquired land, building and plant and machinery worth thousands of crores of Rupees at its Odisha plant," read the release. The agency said that the quantification of proceeds of crime as Rs 4025.23 crore is "interim" as of now and investigation to identify further proceeds of crime is underway.

Enforcement Directorate attaches assets worth Rs 4025.23 crore of Bhushan Power & Steel limited in bank fraud case

In a big boost to strengthen rural infrastructure, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/valmiki-community-in-jk-was-deprived-of-basic-rights-until-abrogation-of-article-370-pm-modi-255632">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Sunday said that Rs 25 lakh crore will be spent on infrastructural development in the villages across the country. 
 
"The rural economy of the country is now being given as much attention as never before. Already the work is going on on the roads of the village. Now in the coming years, Rs 25 lakh crore will be spent to develop infrastructure in the villages. The money will also be used to construct modern storage centres for crops," he said. 
 
Addressing an election rally at Sakoli, the Prime Minister said the work is being done with a larger vision for farmers. 
 
"We have tried to change the situation and have taken steps to solve the problems of farmers permanently," he said. 
 
Modi also highlighted that Rs 3.5 lakh crore will be used for water conservation and building facilities for water conservation. 
 
"We started the Jal Jeevan Mission as soon as we formed the government for the second time. In the coming years, Rs 3.5 lakh crore will be used for water conservation and building facilities for water conservation," he said. 
 
"When pure water is made available to everyone, you and your cattle will be healthier. The industry will develop swiftly in drought-hit regions with the proper supply of water. This will provide new sources of employment," he added. 
 
The Prime Minister called upon the people to develop hotels and other infrastructure facilities in Bhandara to attract tourists in the region. 
 
"This entire area is full of forests ... There is a lot of potential for tourism here. The area also has plenty of products produced by tribal society. It is important to make Chulband river and Nagzhira National Park more attractive to tourists. It will pave the way for self-employment of local people," he said. 
 
PM Modi said the projects related to the development of tribal areas and their self-employment is in full swing. 
 
"A comprehensive network of Eklavya Model School is being prepared by the government to enhance the education and skills of tribal children," added Modi. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-rahul-gandhi-to-rally-for-maharashtra-assembly-polls-on-sunday-255572">The Assembly polls in Maharashtra are scheduled for October 21 along with Haryana</a>. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

In a big boost to strengthen rural infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Rs 25 lakh crore will be spent on infrastructural development in the villages across the country.

In a big boost to strengthen rural infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Rs 25 lakh crore will be spent on infrastructural development in the villages across the country. "The rural economy of the country is now being given as much attention as never before. Already the work is going on on the roads of the village. Now in the coming years, Rs 25 lakh crore will be spent to develop infrastructure in the villages. The money will also be used to construct modern storage centres for crops," he said. Addressing an election rally at Sakoli, the Prime Minister said the work is being done with a larger vision for farmers. "We have tried to change the situation and have taken steps to solve the problems of farmers permanently," he said. Modi also highlighted that Rs 3.5 lakh crore will be used for water conservation and building facilities for water conservation. "We started the Jal Jeevan Mission as soon as we formed the government for the second time. In the coming years, Rs 3.5 lakh crore will be used for water conservation and building facilities for water conservation," he said. "When pure water is made available to everyone, you and your cattle will be healthier. The industry will develop swiftly in drought-hit regions with the proper supply of water. This will provide new sources of employment," he added. The Prime Minister called upon the people to develop hotels and other infrastructure facilities in Bhandara to attract tourists in the region. "This entire area is full of forests ... There is a lot of potential for tourism here. The area also has plenty of products produced by tribal society. It is important to make Chulband river and Nagzhira National Park more attractive to tourists. It will pave the way for self-employment of local people," he said. PM Modi said the projects related to the development of tribal areas and their self-employment is in full swing. "A comprehensive network of Eklavya Model School is being prepared by the government to enhance the education and skills of tribal children," added Modi. The Assembly polls in Maharashtra are scheduled for October 21 along with Haryana. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

PM Modi says Rs 25 lakh crore will be spent on infrastructure development in rural areas

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-says-rs-25-lakh-crore-will-be-spent-on-infrastructure-development-in-rural-areas-255651">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, who is known for his ability to connect with the masses through social media,&nbsp;now has 30 million followers on Instagram, in just over a month after the tech-savvy leader had crossed the 50 million follower mark on Twitter. 
 
With this, Modi is now the most followed world leader on the photo-sharing app.

US President Donald Trump currently has 14.9 million followers while his predecessor Barack Obama has 24.8 million followers on Instagram. 
"PM @NarendraModi crosses 30 million followers on Instagram*. He is the most followed world leader on Instagram ahead of US President Trump as well as former US President Obama. This is yet another testament to his popularity and connection with the youth," BJP working president JP Nadda said in a tweet. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a> crosses 30 million followers on Instagram* 
 
He is the *most followed* world leader on Instagram ahead of US President Trump as well as former US President Obama. 
 
This is yet another testament to his popularity and connect with the youth. <a href="https://t.co/Kd66uBAgyg">pic.twitter.com/Kd66uBAgyg</a>
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda/status/1183344957672706053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Twitter, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/valmiki-community-in-jk-was-deprived-of-basic-rights-until-abrogation-of-article-370-pm-modi-255632">the Prime Minister</a> currently has 50.7 million followers and now stands tall among the world leaders on the micro-blogging site, with his handle @narendramodi a little behind that of Trump, who has 65.7 million followers. 
 
Obama remains on the first spot with over 109 million accounts following him. 
 
Modi is very active on social media, including Instagram and Twitter and regularly puts out texts on everything - from his speeches at various platforms to the places he went to and the people he met. 
 
Last year, an international survey ranked PM Modi among the top three leaders of the world. 
 
An annual survey by Gallup International put the Prime Minister at number three among the global leaders. 
 
The respondents in the survey, which was conducted among people across 50 countries, rated Modi ahead of China's Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, former British Prime Minister Theresa May, and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu amongst others. 
 
The top ranking in the survey went to the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, followed by the French President Emmanuel Macron.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is known for his ability to connect with the masses through social media, now has 30 million followers on Instagram, in just over a month after the tech-savvy leader had crossed the 50 million follower mark on Twitter.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is known for his ability to connect with the masses through social media, now has 30 million followers on Instagram, in just over a month after the tech-savvy leader had crossed the 50 million follower mark on Twitter. With this, Modi is now the most followed world leader on the photo-sharing app. US President Donald Trump currently has 14.9 million followers while his predecessor Barack Obama has 24.8 million followers on Instagram. "PM @NarendraModi crosses 30 million followers on Instagram*. He is the most followed world leader on Instagram ahead of US President Trump as well as former US President Obama. This is yet another testament to his popularity and connection with the youth," BJP working president JP Nadda said in a tweet. PM @NarendraModi crosses 30 million followers on Instagram* He is the *most followed* world leader on Instagram ahead of US President Trump as well as former US President Obama. This is yet another testament to his popularity and connect with the youth. pic.twitter.com/Kd66uBAgyg — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) October 13, 2019 × On Twitter, the Prime Minister currently has 50.7 million followers and now stands tall among the world leaders on the micro-blogging site, with his handle @narendramodi a little behind that of Trump, who has 65.7 million followers. Obama remains on the first spot with over 109 million accounts following him. Modi is very active on social media, including Instagram and Twitter and regularly puts out texts on everything - from his speeches at various platforms to the places he went to and the people he met. Last year, an international survey ranked PM Modi among the top three leaders of the world. An annual survey by Gallup International put the Prime Minister at number three among the global leaders. The respondents in the survey, which was conducted among people across 50 countries, rated Modi ahead of China's Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, former British Prime Minister Theresa May, and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu amongst others. The top ranking in the survey went to the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, followed by the French President Emmanuel Macron.

PM Modi crosses 30 million followers on Instagram, becomes world's most followed leader

A tiger poacher has been arrested by Assam police with the help of the Indian Army, paramilitary forces and the forest officials. 
 
The accused identified as Sunilal Boro was arrested on Saturday in Bilasipara area of Dhubri district. 
 
"Sunilal Boro, who is related to a tiger poaching case under Panbari Range was apprehended by the Army and Police in Bilasipara area of Dhubri district on October 12," Assam Police informed. 
 
The security forces jointly recovered a pipe of a handmade gun from the homestead of Sunilal Boro in Dwimuguri. 
 
The accused has been put under&nbsp;police custody. 
 
Further investigation is underway.

A tiger poacher has been arrested by Assam police with the help of the Indian Army, paramilitary forces and the forest officials. The accused identified as Sunilal Boro was arrested on Saturday in Bilasipara area of Dhubri district.

A tiger poacher has been arrested by Assam police with the help of the Indian Army, paramilitary forces and the forest officials. The accused identified as Sunilal Boro was arrested on Saturday in Bilasipara area of Dhubri district. "Sunilal Boro, who is related to a tiger poaching case under Panbari Range was apprehended by the Army and Police in Bilasipara area of Dhubri district on October 12," Assam Police informed. The security forces jointly recovered a pipe of a handmade gun from the homestead of Sunilal Boro in Dwimuguri. The accused has been put under police custody. Further investigation is underway.

Tiger poacher arrested in Assam

Expressing concerns over uncertainty in the global energy market, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday said the recent developments in the region have an enormous impact on India's energy security and also on "our economic, budgetary and investment dimensions." 
 
In his opening remarks at the third International Think Tank (ITT) meeting, Pradhan said: "In recent times, we are facing significant uncertainty and challenge in the global energy markets." 
 
"Since our last meeting, we have seen the most disruptive developments. United States sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, attacks on Saudi oil processing units, volatile conditions in Strait of Hormuz, unrest in the Middle-East, and US-China trade war, to name a few," he said. 
 
"These developments have an enormous impact on India's energy security and also on our economic, budgetary and investment dimensions," added Pradhan. 
 
The minister also noted that India's import dependency on crude oil and LNG continues to rise unabated. 
 
He said, "It is now over 84 per cent for crude and 45 per cent for natural gas... It is expected to increase in the future. Such excessive import dependency does make us vulnerable to external developments more than ever before," stressed Pradhan. 
 
He also said that today the moot question is how to make energy transition more sustainable. "The decisions and actions&nbsp;in response to the changing scenario - must be less reactive and more transformative," he added. 
 
However, the minister assured the member of the think tank that India has undertaken a transformative step by developing a gas-based economy. 
"A lot of emphasis is being given to developing gas exploration, import and distribution infrastructure in the country. Natural gas, gradually but surely, becoming a bridging fuel for low carbon economy in India," said Pradhan. 
 
In addition, an estimated investment of $60 billion has also been made for the construction of a gas pipeline and terminal infrastructure that has reached its advanced stages of completion. 
 
"India will continue to depend on hydrocarbons," the minister noted, adding that the country will only rely on clean and more efficient technologies, alongside robust producer-consumer relations as trade volumes grow. 
 
Providing a glimpse of India's path of the energy transition, Pradhan said that the share of renewables in the electricity mix has gone up from around 5 per cent in 2014-15 to 22 per cent at present. 
 
Also, ethanol blending percentage has risen from 0.67 per cent in 2012-13&nbsp;to 6 per cent. Natural Gas consumption is further witnessing 6 per cent growth since the last couple of years, the minister said. 
 
He stressed that India's oil and gas sector can function optimally only if it is in sync with the rest of the global developments. 
 
"We have to strengthen our linkages in technologies, markets, and business models and also capitalise on the shift of the centre of gravity in the oil and gas sector from producing to consuming nations," he added. 
 
The first meeting of the International Think Tank Meeting (ITT) was held in October 2017. 
 
Distinguished members of the International Think Tank, Petroleum Secretary MM Kutty, CMDs and CEOs of Indian oil and gas companies were present on the occasion. 
 
During the last two annual meetings, the forum did brainstorming on the prevailing dynamics in the global oil and gas sector, and its relevance to India's hydrocarbon sector.

Expressing concerns over uncertainty in the global energy market, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday said the recent developments in the region have an enormous impact on India's energy security and also on "our economic, budgetary and investment dimensions.

Expressing concerns over uncertainty in the global energy market, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday said the recent developments in the region have an enormous impact on India's energy security and also on "our economic, budgetary and investment dimensions." In his opening remarks at the third International Think Tank (ITT) meeting, Pradhan said: "In recent times, we are facing significant uncertainty and challenge in the global energy markets." "Since our last meeting, we have seen the most disruptive developments. United States sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, attacks on Saudi oil processing units, volatile conditions in Strait of Hormuz, unrest in the Middle-East, and US-China trade war, to name a few," he said. "These developments have an enormous impact on India's energy security and also on our economic, budgetary and investment dimensions," added Pradhan. The minister also noted that India's import dependency on crude oil and LNG continues to rise unabated. He said, "It is now over 84 per cent for crude and 45 per cent for natural gas... It is expected to increase in the future. Such excessive import dependency does make us vulnerable to external developments more than ever before," stressed Pradhan. He also said that today the moot question is how to make energy transition more sustainable. "The decisions and actions in response to the changing scenario - must be less reactive and more transformative," he added. However, the minister assured the member of the think tank that India has undertaken a transformative step by developing a gas-based economy. "A lot of emphasis is being given to developing gas exploration, import and distribution infrastructure in the country. Natural gas, gradually but surely, becoming a bridging fuel for low carbon economy in India," said Pradhan. In addition, an estimated investment of $60 billion has also been made for the construction of a gas pipeline and terminal infrastructure that has reached its advanced stages of completion. "India will continue to depend on hydrocarbons," the minister noted, adding that the country will only rely on clean and more efficient technologies, alongside robust producer-consumer relations as trade volumes grow. Providing a glimpse of India's path of the energy transition, Pradhan said that the share of renewables in the electricity mix has gone up from around 5 per cent in 2014-15 to 22 per cent at present. Also, ethanol blending percentage has risen from 0.67 per cent in 2012-13 to 6 per cent. Natural Gas consumption is further witnessing 6 per cent growth since the last couple of years, the minister said. He stressed that India's oil and gas sector can function optimally only if it is in sync with the rest of the global developments. "We have to strengthen our linkages in technologies, markets, and business models and also capitalise on the shift of the centre of gravity in the oil and gas sector from producing to consuming nations," he added. The first meeting of the International Think Tank Meeting (ITT) was held in October 2017. Distinguished members of the International Think Tank, Petroleum Secretary MM Kutty, CMDs and CEOs of Indian oil and gas companies were present on the occasion. During the last two annual meetings, the forum did brainstorming on the prevailing dynamics in the global oil and gas sector, and its relevance to India's hydrocarbon sector.

Recent regional developments have impacted India's energy security, says Dharmendra Pradhan

As the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-tourism-department-to-double-promotions-after-tourist-advisory-withdrawal-254966">mobile phone connections will be restored in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday</a> from 12 noon, the police and security forces deployed in the region are taking all precautionary measures. 
 
According to sources, there will be strict monitoring of&nbsp;hate mongers and deployment of extra forces will be done at strategic locations to avoid any unlawful gathering called to disturb law and order situation in the valley. 
 
When asked about the precautionary measures for Monday as the mobile phone connections in the Valley will be restored after over two months, Director General of Police (DGP), Jammu and Kashmir, Dilbagh Singh told ANI, "All precautions shall be taken." 
 
As mobile phones are the most preferred way for hate mongers to spread lies, local police will also keep an eye on fake news, messages created to ignite any kind of unlawful activity in the region. 
 
There have been inputs that Pakistan-backed groups will try to create a ruckus in the&nbsp;law and order situation by spreading rumours. 
 
The government fully restored landlines&nbsp;six weeks ago. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-opens-to-tourists-as-government-lifts-security-advisory-on-travel-254898">The Jammu and Kashmir administration</a> on Saturday said in a statement, "Having reviewed the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, a decision has been taken to restore mobile phone facilities in all the remaining areas of Jammu and Kashmir. More specifically, all post-paid mobile phones, irrespective of the telecom service provider, will stand restored and be functional from 12 noon on Monday, October 14, 2019. This will cover all 10 districts of Kashmir province." 
 
The administration also stated that with this step, tourists will be able to visit the state without being handicapped by the lack of phone connectivity, students can be in touch with parents while attending schools, businessmen can be in touch with customers, transporters can contact clients, and contractors can be in touch with staff. 
 
Phones connectivity in the valley was suspended by the central government as a precautionary measure keeping in view the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, which granted special status to the region. 
 
The Centre also bifurcated the state into two Union Territories -&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The UTs will come into being on October 31.

As the mobile phone connections will be restored in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday from 12 noon, the police and security forces deployed in the region are taking all precautionary measures.

As the mobile phone connections will be restored in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday from 12 noon, the police and security forces deployed in the region are taking all precautionary measures. According to sources, there will be strict monitoring of hate mongers and deployment of extra forces will be done at strategic locations to avoid any unlawful gathering called to disturb law and order situation in the valley. When asked about the precautionary measures for Monday as the mobile phone connections in the Valley will be restored after over two months, Director General of Police (DGP), Jammu and Kashmir, Dilbagh Singh told ANI, "All precautions shall be taken." As mobile phones are the most preferred way for hate mongers to spread lies, local police will also keep an eye on fake news, messages created to ignite any kind of unlawful activity in the region. There have been inputs that Pakistan-backed groups will try to create a ruckus in the law and order situation by spreading rumours. The government fully restored landlines six weeks ago. The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday said in a statement, "Having reviewed the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, a decision has been taken to restore mobile phone facilities in all the remaining areas of Jammu and Kashmir. More specifically, all post-paid mobile phones, irrespective of the telecom service provider, will stand restored and be functional from 12 noon on Monday, October 14, 2019. This will cover all 10 districts of Kashmir province." The administration also stated that with this step, tourists will be able to visit the state without being handicapped by the lack of phone connectivity, students can be in touch with parents while attending schools, businessmen can be in touch with customers, transporters can contact clients, and contractors can be in touch with staff. Phones connectivity in the valley was suspended by the central government as a precautionary measure keeping in view the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, which granted special status to the region. The Centre also bifurcated the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The UTs will come into being on October 31.

J&K Director General of Police says all precautions will be taken during restoration of mobile services

A mass was held on Sunday at St Joseph's Cathedral Church to celebrate the canonisation of Mother Mariam Thresia, who hails from Kerala. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-to-be-recognised-as-saint-by-vatican-today-255598">Pope Francis has declared Mariam Thresia, who founded the Congregation of Sisters of the Holy Family, a saint today</a> at a ceremony St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. 
 
"Mother Mariam Thresia is going to become a saint. She got a real gift from God. As Keralites, we are very proud that she did good for the catholic church and became a saint," Father Manu, Assistant Vicar, St Joseph's Cathedral Church, Thiruvananthapuram said. 
 
"We can be inspired by her and in our day-to-day life should follow her ideals. As Jesus said, we should strive for saintly actions in our lives," he added. 
Meanwhile, in Thrissur, people gathered at the shrine of Mother Mariam Thresia at Kuzhikkattussery to offer prayers. 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lauded her contributions during his latest 'Mann ki Baat' radio programme. 
 
Born in 1876, Mother Thresia's sainthood process began in 1978 when Pope John Paul II had beatified her in 2000.

A mass was held on Sunday at St Joseph's Cathedral Church to celebrate the canonisation of Mother Mariam Thresia, who hails from Kerala. Pope Francis has declared Mariam Thresia, who founded the Congregation of Sisters of the Holy Family, a saint today at a ceremony St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

A mass was held on Sunday at St Joseph's Cathedral Church to celebrate the canonisation of Mother Mariam Thresia, who hails from Kerala. Pope Francis has declared Mariam Thresia, who founded the Congregation of Sisters of the Holy Family, a saint today at a ceremony St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. "Mother Mariam Thresia is going to become a saint. She got a real gift from God. As Keralites, we are very proud that she did good for the catholic church and became a saint," Father Manu, Assistant Vicar, St Joseph's Cathedral Church, Thiruvananthapuram said. "We can be inspired by her and in our day-to-day life should follow her ideals. As Jesus said, we should strive for saintly actions in our lives," he added. Meanwhile, in Thrissur, people gathered at the shrine of Mother Mariam Thresia at Kuzhikkattussery to offer prayers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lauded her contributions during his latest 'Mann ki Baat' radio programme. Born in 1876, Mother Thresia's sainthood process began in 1978 when Pope John Paul II had beatified her in 2000.

Mass held in Kerala to celebrate canonisation of Mother Mariam Thresia

Amidst fire fighting operation here at a residential building on Sunday, a fire-personnel was rushed to a hospital following asphyxiation&nbsp;and "dehydration" while another person, stranded inside the building&nbsp;was found unconscious. He was rescued and provided medical care.

A level-3 fire broke out at Aaditya Arcade building at Charni road on Sunday morning. Several fire tenders rushed to the spot to douse the flames.

Cooling operation by the fire brigade is underway.

As many as eight people who were trapped inside have been rescued by the fire brigade. 
 
Further, details are awaited.

Amidst fire fighting operation here at a residential building on Sunday, a fire-personnel was rushed to a hospital following asphyxiation and "dehydration" while another person, stranded inside the building was found unconscious.

Amidst fire fighting operation here at a residential building on Sunday, a fire-personnel was rushed to a hospital following asphyxiation and "dehydration" while another person, stranded inside the building was found unconscious. He was rescued and provided medical care. A level-3 fire broke out at Aaditya Arcade building at Charni road on Sunday morning. Several fire tenders rushed to the spot to douse the flames. Cooling operation by the fire brigade is underway. As many as eight people who were trapped inside have been rescued by the fire brigade. Further, details are awaited.

Mumbai fire: Two including firefighter hospitalised due to asphyxiation

At a time when the Indian Air Force (IAF) is batting for indigenisation, the Force is planning to acquire the new 21 MiG-29 fighters from Russia and equip them with indigenous weapon systems such as the Astra air. 
 
"The proposal for the acquisition of 21 MiG-29s would be placed before the Defence Acquisition Council soon. The IAF wants the MiG-29s to be of the upgraded MiG-29s that are already in service," defence sources told ANI. 
 
"The IAF also wants that the aircraft should be equipped with the Indian weapon systems including the Astra missiles," they said. 
 
The sources said there are other indigenous equipment and weapons which would be integrated with the aircraft once the deal comes through. 
 
The MiG-29s now have a new airframe and had been lying unused in Russia. 
 
The push for promoting indigenous weapons has come at a time when IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria has made it clear that the force will fully back indigenisation efforts such as the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and the fifth Generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme. 
 
The IAF had carried out a study to check if the airframes of the MiG-29s on offer were good enough for it to operate for a long time. 
 
MiG-29s are flown by the IAF and the pilots are familiar with it but the ones offered by the Russians are different from the ones in the Indian inventory. 
 
The Indian Navy also operates the MiG-29 'K' and is the only operator of this version of the plane. It is having a rough experience with the planes which are difficult to maintain and their settings change immediately after they land on the aircraft carrier. 
 
The IAF has three squadrons of the MiG-29s which have been undergoing upgrades for extended life and are considered to be very good planes in the air defence roles.

At a time when the Indian Air Force (IAF) is batting for indigenisation, the Force is planning to acquire the new 21 MiG-29 fighters from Russia and equip them with indigenous weapon systems such as the Astra air.

At a time when the Indian Air Force (IAF) is batting for indigenisation, the Force is planning to acquire the new 21 MiG-29 fighters from Russia and equip them with indigenous weapon systems such as the Astra air. "The proposal for the acquisition of 21 MiG-29s would be placed before the Defence Acquisition Council soon. The IAF wants the MiG-29s to be of the upgraded MiG-29s that are already in service," defence sources told ANI. "The IAF also wants that the aircraft should be equipped with the Indian weapon systems including the Astra missiles," they said. The sources said there are other indigenous equipment and weapons which would be integrated with the aircraft once the deal comes through. The MiG-29s now have a new airframe and had been lying unused in Russia. The push for promoting indigenous weapons has come at a time when IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria has made it clear that the force will fully back indigenisation efforts such as the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and the fifth Generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme. The IAF had carried out a study to check if the airframes of the MiG-29s on offer were good enough for it to operate for a long time. MiG-29s are flown by the IAF and the pilots are familiar with it but the ones offered by the Russians are different from the ones in the Indian inventory. The Indian Navy also operates the MiG-29 'K' and is the only operator of this version of the plane. It is having a rough experience with the planes which are difficult to maintain and their settings change immediately after they land on the aircraft carrier. The IAF has three squadrons of the MiG-29s which have been undergoing upgrades for extended life and are considered to be very good planes in the air defence roles.

IAF wants new MiG-29s to be equipped with indigenous weapons

In a joint operation conducted by Assam Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)&nbsp;with army personnel, a National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) member has been apprehended for possessing illegal arms. 
 
The arrest was made on Saturday. 
 
The accused has been identified as Raju Brahma, resident of Dwimiguri village in Chirang district, who is a locally trained militant cadre of NDFB. 
 
"The search operation was based on the secret information and during the search in his house, a plastic-covered package was found from behind his house. 
The package was opened in front of the villagers in which a single bore rifle, 10 live cartridges of AK-47 and a hand grenade were recovered", police said. 
 
Weapons and ammunition were later confiscated by Chirang Police and the accused is in police custody. 
 
Further investigation is underway.

In a joint operation conducted by Assam Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) with army personnel, a National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) member has been apprehended for possessing illegal arms.

In a joint operation conducted by Assam Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) with army personnel, a National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) member has been apprehended for possessing illegal arms. The arrest was made on Saturday. The accused has been identified as Raju Brahma, resident of Dwimiguri village in Chirang district, who is a locally trained militant cadre of NDFB. "The search operation was based on the secret information and during the search in his house, a plastic-covered package was found from behind his house. The package was opened in front of the villagers in which a single bore rifle, 10 live cartridges of AK-47 and a hand grenade were recovered", police said. Weapons and ammunition were later confiscated by Chirang Police and the accused is in police custody. Further investigation is underway.

National Democratic Front of Boroland member arrested with illegal arms in Assam

The streets of Coimbatore were filled with colours on Sunday as the city hosted its first official Pride march.

The march which was organised by Sahodari Foundation was aimed at educating the people about the issues related to the LGBTQ community.

The volunteers, dressed up in casual attire were heard sloganeering and playing musical instruments during the pride march.

The Pride march commenced from the CCMC North Zone office and will conclude at the VOC Park East Gate in the evening.

In Siliguri last month, members of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community celebrated the year anniversary of the Supreme Court's verdict on Section 377, which lifted a colonial-era ban on gay sex.

More than a hundred members of the community of the Black Rose Society in North Bengal took out a procession in which the members were seen dressed in bright coloured clothes and dancing on the roads.

The streets of Coimbatore were filled with colours on Sunday as the city hosted its first official Pride march. The march which was organised by Sahodari Foundation was aimed at educating the people about the issues related to the LGBTQ community.

The streets of Coimbatore were filled with colours on Sunday as the city hosted its first official Pride march. The march which was organised by Sahodari Foundation was aimed at educating the people about the issues related to the LGBTQ community. The volunteers, dressed up in casual attire were heard sloganeering and playing musical instruments during the pride march. The Pride march commenced from the CCMC North Zone office and will conclude at the VOC Park East Gate in the evening. In Siliguri last month, members of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community celebrated the year anniversary of the Supreme Court's verdict on Section 377, which lifted a colonial-era ban on gay sex. More than a hundred members of the community of the Black Rose Society in North Bengal took out a procession in which the members were seen dressed in bright coloured clothes and dancing on the roads.

Coimbatore hosts LGBT pride parade

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