  No Kings' Instagram suspended during early-voting campaign 

Brendan Taylor overtakes Andy Flower to become Zimbabwe’s leading ODI run-scorer

'Those who have destroyed must pay': Macron says France feels 'anger and shame' over protest violence

5 reasons why the Tesla Roadster’s rocket thrusters are so difficult to engineer

Lawrence Bishnoi gang claims responsibility for firing at Tiger Shroff over ties to Salman Khan

Flying car race: Alef Aeronautics welcomes Tesla Roadster '11 years' later, but are the two models the same?

US midterms 2026: Trump’s 33% approval rating spells trouble for Republicans as Democrats pull ahead

WATCH | Flames engulf St Petersburg oil sites as Ukraine launches 1,000 drones at Russia

JD Vance admits H-1B rhetoric was ‘imperfect’ after immigrant challenges him

US midterm elections 2026: Why Atlanta matters in Georgia’s political battle – All you need to know

Lizard people? Ex-US Army sniper claims soldier killed by 'reptilian beings' in battle near Area 51

‘I don’t know how my family escaped': Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi chokes while revealing he was inside US temple during foiled attack

Nobel laureate Machado, who dedicated prize to Trump, confirmed as Venezuela opposition leader

After Kennedy Center and reflecting pool disputes, Trump turns to Washington golf course plan amid legal battle

5 things that make Tesla's new Roadster different from every other electric car

Iranian woman, 23, handed death sentence for ‘blasphemy’ in social media post; appeals for help

Bessent accuses Europe of refusing secondary tariffs on India, China

Tiger Shroff firing case: AICWA raises alarm over safety of Bollywood celebrities

China responds to Trump's Press Secretary Katie Zacharia after toilet remark: 'Visit China more often'

UAE agrees with Saudi Arabia to rejoin Yemen fight as Houthi strikes rattle Riyadh

Iran says Hormuz reopening plan remains on table as Trump predicts quick war end

PCB omits Atherton, Hussain from tri-series commentary panel over Imran Khan interview row

WATCH | iPhones, luxury perfumes floating in Hormuz? Iranian fishermen make bizarre discovery

Tiger Shroff attacked by three gunmen in Mumbai, actor safe, two injured

Taylor Swift performs at star-studded Academy Museum Gala 2026 in stunning Dior ensemble

Anirudh Ravichander-Kavya Maran wedding: Telangana CM reveals Chennai reception date

Tesla Roadster engineering: The hidden hardware behind its flying demonstration

Saudi Arabia executes Two Bangladesh nationals over immoral act

PICS | France reels after violent protests leave trail of destruction, 1,800 arrested

US to review Russia sanctions waiver within 60 days as Rubio cites India’s ‘substantial’ Russian energy imports

'We feel like Mr India': Gujarat’s undercover SHE team guard garba nights at Navratri

Cattle-feed bran in biscuits, detergent in milk: FSSAI acts against 3 companies

5 technologies that could make the Tesla Roadster one of the most unusual cars ever built

'It's a joy to see the makers bring it on such a grand scale': SS Rajamouli on Ramayana

US regulator hits OpenAI and Anthropic with sweeping demands after their AIs went rogue

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday made it clear that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will not be implemented and no one will be pushed out from the state.</p>

<p>Accusing the BJP of using NRC as a political tool, Banerjee urged the voters to check the names in the list which was being updated.</p>

<p>"BJP has negatively publicised NRC. They are promoting it as a political tool. NRC will not come to Bengal. Nobody will be pushed out of Bengal. People who have been living in Bengal for so many years, they will stay here the same way," she told reporters.</p>

<p>"Voter list is being renewed, so I would urge you to check whether your name is in voter list. Have faith in me, NRC will not happen here," Banerjee said.</p>

<p>On Thursday, Banerjee had met Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi where she raised the issue of Assam NRC in which 19 lakh people were excluded.</p>

<p>The TMC supremo had reiterated her today's statement that the exercise will not be implemented in West Bengal.</p>

<p>In the final NRC list published on August 31 for Assam, a total of 3,11,21,004 persons are found eligible for inclusion in final list leaving out 19,06,657 persons, including those who did not submit their claims.</p>

<p>The list is aimed at segregating Indian citizens living in Assam from those who had illegally entered the state from Bangladesh.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday made it clear that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will not be implemented and no one will be pushed out from the state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday made it clear that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will not be implemented and no one will be pushed out from the state. Accusing the BJP of using NRC as a political tool, Banerjee urged the voters to check the names in the list which was being updated. "BJP has negatively publicised NRC. They are promoting it as a political tool. NRC will not come to Bengal. Nobody will be pushed out of Bengal. People who have been living in Bengal for so many years, they will stay here the same way," she told reporters. "Voter list is being renewed, so I would urge you to check whether your name is in voter list. Have faith in me, NRC will not happen here," Banerjee said. On Thursday, Banerjee had met Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi where she raised the issue of Assam NRC in which 19 lakh people were excluded. The TMC supremo had reiterated her today's statement that the exercise will not be implemented in West Bengal. In the final NRC list published on August 31 for Assam, a total of 3,11,21,004 persons are found eligible for inclusion in final list leaving out 19,06,657 persons, including those who did not submit their claims. The list is aimed at segregating Indian citizens living in Assam from those who had illegally entered the state from Bangladesh.

NRC won't come to Bengal, nobody will be pushed out: Mamata Banerjee

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that he will aim to present India as a global leader and boost ties with the US. The prime minister's comments came ahead of his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/houston-all-set-to-welcome-pm-modi-for-howdy-modi-event-despite-heavy-rains-250752">week-long visit to the US</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his departure statement, the prime minister said, "I am confident that my visit would present India as a vibrant land of opportunities, a reliable partner and a global leader and will also help impart new energy to our relations with the US."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I thank the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for conferring upon me the Global Goalkeepers Goals Award 2019. Over the last five years India has taken many efforts to improve cleanliness and sanitation, fulfilling Gandhi Ji's dream of a Swachh Bharat.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1175037634319544320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>PM Modi will be meeting around 45 world leaders from India's immediate neighbourhood to Latin America. He will be meeting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hails-trumps-special-gesture-towards-houston-diaspora-event-howdy-modi-249898">US President Trump</a> on Tuesday in New York for a bilateral. This will be his third bilateral meet with US President this year after meeting him on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Japan and the G7 Summit in France. PM Modi in the statement said he looks forward to meeting with Trump in Houston and New York.</p>

<p>"The US is a vital partner for our national development with rich possibilities of partnership in education, skills, research, technology and innovation and an enabler for India in economic growth and national security... Working together, we can contribute to building a more peaceful, stable, secure, sustainable and prosperous world".</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/3-main-pillars-of-indian-pms-us-visit-250830/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Overall there will be three main focus points of Prime Minister's visit -multilateral engagements at United Nations, Bilateral component in the United States--which include meeting with businesses, diaspora and US political leadership and bilateral meeting in New York.</p>

<p>Indian Ambassador to the United States Harsh V Shringla speaking to media in the Houston said, "the prime minister has a comprehensive programme in the US. He arrives in Houston this Saturday and soon after he arrives he has an event to meet the top CEOs of energy companies. Houston is the global hub for energy. Our cooperation with the US has increased significantly because of our interest in US crude oil and energy."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Key events I would be attending at the <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> are the Climate Action Summit, an event on Universal Health Coverage, and opening plenary of the Bloomberg Global Business Forum. These forums will give opportunities to showcase India’s efforts to build peaceful and prosperous world.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1175037629059878917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>PM Modi's first stop will be Houston where his first engagement will be to meet the CEOs of top energy companies. Houston, the capital city of Texas, is the fourth most populous city of the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday, PM Modi will be participating in the "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tulsi-gabbard-welcomes-pm-modi-to-us-says-sorry-for-not-being-able-to-attend-howdy-modi-event-250719">Howdy Modi" event</a> wherein he will address the local India diaspora. It will be the largest gathering of people for a visiting democratically elected leader. According to the organisers, 50,000 people have registered for the event, mostly Indian-Americans. US President Donald Trump, along with senior democratic leadership, will be present at the event.</p>

<p>The prime minister will be in New York from Monday and will be speaking nine times at various events throughout the week that will be broadcast live. Monday will see him address climate change and health care summit and a leaders' dialogue on 'strategic responses to terrorist and violent extremists narrative'.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In New York City, a large part of the programmes will be at the <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a>. Since its inception, India has been actively participating in various programmes and initiatives of the UN, reflecting our unwavering commitment to multilateralism. My address at the UNGA would be on the 27th.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1175037627231166471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>On Tuesday, the focus will be on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with the launch of Gandhi solar park in United Nations headquarters premises. Gandhi solar park has 193 panels representing the UN member nations and has been built with Indian government's grant of one million dollars. Solar panels gifted from India will be installed on the roof of the UN headquarters. The panels are powered up to reach max 50 KW of generation power. With an output of 86244 Kwh, it equals to 61 metric tons of CO2 or 30,242 kilograms of coal burned carbon sequestered from 1,008 tree seedlings grown over 10 years. A UN postage stamp will also be released and Gandhi peace garden will be inaugurated at the New York State University.</p>

<p>PM Modi will address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27 anytime after 8 pm India time.</p>

<p>Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "This is PM's first visit to the United States after the re-election of the government and the prime minister is going to UNGA with solid achievements in previous five years in sustainable development goals. Our intention is to showcase the progress made on climate change, universal health coverage, sanitation et cetera and convey expectation from other countries and understand their aspirations".</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I look forward to my meeting with <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>.<br />
<br />
Shared values, convergent interests and complementary strengths provide the strong foundations for a natural partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1175037625532502022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"The PM is also of the view that it is important to play the role that his expected of India in shaping the global agenda - both political and socio-economic. The PM will again reiterate a position India has been saying for a long time and that is multilateralism is at the centre of global politics and it should remain so".</p>

<p>Two important summits will take place while PM Modi will be in the United States - the third India-Pacific Island Summit and the first India Caribbean Summit. The focus will also be on investments with PM meeting CEOs of 45 US companies like Amway Corp, Bank of America, Coca Cola, Deloitte, IBM, Cisco Systems Inc, JPMorgan &amp; Chase, Lockheed Martin, Marriott International, MasterCard, Microsoft, Visa, Walmart Retail.</p>

<p>This is the first visit to the US by PM Modi in his second term. In his first term, the prime minister visited the US twice - once in 2014 and then in 2015.</p>

<p>No meeting with Pakistan PM Imran Khan will take place. Khan will also be in New York for the UNGA week.&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that he will aim to present India as a global leader and boost ties with the US. The prime minister's comments came ahead of his week-long visit to the US.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that he will aim to present India as a global leader and boost ties with the US. The prime minister's comments came ahead of his week-long visit to the US. In his departure statement, the prime minister said, "I am confident that my visit would present India as a vibrant land of opportunities, a reliable partner and a global leader and will also help impart new energy to our relations with the US." I thank the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for conferring upon me the Global Goalkeepers Goals Award 2019. Over the last five years India has taken many efforts to improve cleanliness and sanitation, fulfilling Gandhi Ji's dream of a Swachh Bharat. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2019 × PM Modi will be meeting around 45 world leaders from India's immediate neighbourhood to Latin America. He will be meeting US President Trump on Tuesday in New York for a bilateral. This will be his third bilateral meet with US President this year after meeting him on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Japan and the G7 Summit in France. PM Modi in the statement said he looks forward to meeting with Trump in Houston and New York. "The US is a vital partner for our national development with rich possibilities of partnership in education, skills, research, technology and innovation and an enabler for India in economic growth and national security... Working together, we can contribute to building a more peaceful, stable, secure, sustainable and prosperous world". × Overall there will be three main focus points of Prime Minister's visit -multilateral engagements at United Nations, Bilateral component in the United States--which include meeting with businesses, diaspora and US political leadership and bilateral meeting in New York. Indian Ambassador to the United States Harsh V Shringla speaking to media in the Houston said, "the prime minister has a comprehensive programme in the US. He arrives in Houston this Saturday and soon after he arrives he has an event to meet the top CEOs of energy companies. Houston is the global hub for energy. Our cooperation with the US has increased significantly because of our interest in US crude oil and energy." Key events I would be attending at the @UN are the Climate Action Summit, an event on Universal Health Coverage, and opening plenary of the Bloomberg Global Business Forum. These forums will give opportunities to showcase India’s efforts to build peaceful and prosperous world. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2019 × PM Modi's first stop will be Houston where his first engagement will be to meet the CEOs of top energy companies. Houston, the capital city of Texas, is the fourth most populous city of the US. On Sunday, PM Modi will be participating in the "Howdy Modi" event wherein he will address the local India diaspora. It will be the largest gathering of people for a visiting democratically elected leader. According to the organisers, 50,000 people have registered for the event, mostly Indian-Americans. US President Donald Trump, along with senior democratic leadership, will be present at the event. The prime minister will be in New York from Monday and will be speaking nine times at various events throughout the week that will be broadcast live. Monday will see him address climate change and health care summit and a leaders' dialogue on 'strategic responses to terrorist and violent extremists narrative'. In New York City, a large part of the programmes will be at the @UN. Since its inception, India has been actively participating in various programmes and initiatives of the UN, reflecting our unwavering commitment to multilateralism. My address at the UNGA would be on the 27th. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2019 × On Tuesday, the focus will be on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with the launch of Gandhi solar park in United Nations headquarters premises. Gandhi solar park has 193 panels representing the UN member nations and has been built with Indian government's grant of one million dollars. Solar panels gifted from India will be installed on the roof of the UN headquarters. The panels are powered up to reach max 50 KW of generation power. With an output of 86244 Kwh, it equals to 61 metric tons of CO2 or 30,242 kilograms of coal burned carbon sequestered from 1,008 tree seedlings grown over 10 years. A UN postage stamp will also be released and Gandhi peace garden will be inaugurated at the New York State University. PM Modi will address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27 anytime after 8 pm India time. Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "This is PM's first visit to the United States after the re-election of the government and the prime minister is going to UNGA with solid achievements in previous five years in sustainable development goals. Our intention is to showcase the progress made on climate change, universal health coverage, sanitation et cetera and convey expectation from other countries and understand their aspirations". I look forward to my meeting with @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. Shared values, convergent interests and complementary strengths provide the strong foundations for a natural partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2019 × "The PM is also of the view that it is important to play the role that his expected of India in shaping the global agenda - both political and socio-economic. The PM will again reiterate a position India has been saying for a long time and that is multilateralism is at the centre of global politics and it should remain so". Two important summits will take place while PM Modi will be in the United States - the third India-Pacific Island Summit and the first India Caribbean Summit. The focus will also be on investments with PM meeting CEOs of 45 US companies like Amway Corp, Bank of America, Coca Cola, Deloitte, IBM, Cisco Systems Inc, JPMorgan & Chase, Lockheed Martin, Marriott International, MasterCard, Microsoft, Visa, Walmart Retail. This is the first visit to the US by PM Modi in his second term. In his first term, the prime minister visited the US twice - once in 2014 and then in 2015. No meeting with Pakistan PM Imran Khan will take place. Khan will also be in New York for the UNGA week.

'Will present India as global leader,' says PM Modi ahead of US visit

<p>The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday predicted that isolated places over Konkan and Goa are likely to receive heavy rainfall today.</p>

<p>The weather forecasting agency also predicted that certain places over Gujarat&nbsp;and&nbsp;Maharashtra are also likely to receive heavy downpour throughout the day.</p>

<p>"Heavy rainfall at isolated places over Uttarakhand, East Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Coastal Karnataka," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin.</p>

<p>Strong winds, speed reaching 40-50 kmph, likely to prevail over east-central and adjoining northeast the Arabian Sea and south Gujarat and north Maharashtra coasts.</p>

<p>Squally weather is likely to prevail over southeast Bay of Bengal. The organisation had advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.</p>


The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday predicted that isolated places over Konkan and Goa are likely to receive heavy rainfall today. The weather forecasting agency also predicted that certain places over Gujarat and Maharashtra are also likely to receive heavy downpour throughout the day.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday predicted that isolated places over Konkan and Goa are likely to receive heavy rainfall today. The weather forecasting agency also predicted that certain places over Gujarat and Maharashtra are also likely to receive heavy downpour throughout the day. "Heavy rainfall at isolated places over Uttarakhand, East Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Coastal Karnataka," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. Strong winds, speed reaching 40-50 kmph, likely to prevail over east-central and adjoining northeast the Arabian Sea and south Gujarat and north Maharashtra coasts. Squally weather is likely to prevail over southeast Bay of Bengal. The organisation had advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

India Meteorological Department predicts heavy rainfall in Konkan, Goa

<p>Moving a step closer towards operating the Rafale combat aircraft, the Indian Air Force on Thursday received the first Rafale combat aircraft at the Dassault Aviation manufacturing facility.</p>

<p>The first aircraft with tail number RB-01 was received by a team of Indian Air Force officers led by Air Marshal VR Chaudhary in France who also flew in the plane for around one hour, Indian Air Force sources told ANI.</p>

<p>As per the Rs 60,000 crore contract signed between India and France, the first aircraft was scheduled to be delivered in acceptance mode to the Indian side and it will now undergo trials and tests for another seven months more in France, sources said.</p>

<p>The tail number RB-01 has been named after Indian Air Force Chief-Designate Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria who had played a very important role in finalising the country's biggest-ever defence deal.</p>

<p>The planes would now officially be inducted on October 8 into the IAF when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits France but the planes would start arriving in India only in May 2020 after validation of the India Specific Enhancements and training of pilots and personnel.</p>

<p>The Indian planes have been equipped with a lot of India-specific enhancements, which have been fitted at a cost of around one billion euros.</p>

<p>Though small batches of Indian pilots have already trained on the French Air Force planes, the Indian Air Force would train 24 pilots in three different batches till May 2020 for flying the Indian Rafale fighter jets.</p>

<p>The Indian Air Force will deploy one squadron each of the Rafale combat aircraft at its airbases in Ambala in Haryana and Hashimara in West Bengal.</p>

<p>In September of 2016, India signed a deal with the French government and Dassault Aviation to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets for over 7.8 billion euros to arrest the fall of combat squadrons and meet urgent requirements on the eastern and western fronts.&nbsp;</p>


Moving a step closer towards operating the Rafale combat aircraft, the Indian Air Force on Thursday received the first Rafale combat aircraft at the Dassault Aviation manufacturing facility.

Moving a step closer towards operating the Rafale combat aircraft, the Indian Air Force on Thursday received the first Rafale combat aircraft at the Dassault Aviation manufacturing facility. The first aircraft with tail number RB-01 was received by a team of Indian Air Force officers led by Air Marshal VR Chaudhary in France who also flew in the plane for around one hour, Indian Air Force sources told ANI. As per the Rs 60,000 crore contract signed between India and France, the first aircraft was scheduled to be delivered in acceptance mode to the Indian side and it will now undergo trials and tests for another seven months more in France, sources said. The tail number RB-01 has been named after Indian Air Force Chief-Designate Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria who had played a very important role in finalising the country's biggest-ever defence deal. The planes would now officially be inducted on October 8 into the IAF when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits France but the planes would start arriving in India only in May 2020 after validation of the India Specific Enhancements and training of pilots and personnel. The Indian planes have been equipped with a lot of India-specific enhancements, which have been fitted at a cost of around one billion euros. Though small batches of Indian pilots have already trained on the French Air Force planes, the Indian Air Force would train 24 pilots in three different batches till May 2020 for flying the Indian Rafale fighter jets. The Indian Air Force will deploy one squadron each of the Rafale combat aircraft at its airbases in Ambala in Haryana and Hashimara in West Bengal. In September of 2016, India signed a deal with the French government and Dassault Aviation to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets for over 7.8 billion euros to arrest the fall of combat squadrons and meet urgent requirements on the eastern and western fronts.

IAF receives first Rafale combat aircraft in France

<p>Emphasising citizens to adhere to the amended new Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act 2019, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari defended the law saying that stringent rules were "much needed" as the people were not following the traffic rules seriously.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Saying that there was neither fear nor respect among people towards adhering to the traffic rules, Gadkari said, "Stringent rules were much needed as people had taken traffic laws very lightly and there was neither fear nor respect for the law."</p>

<p>Gadkari, who launched Transport Corporation of India Ltd's (TCI) 'Safe Safar awareness' on Thursday, said, "I am surprised that people are protesting against a law (Motor Vehicle Act) that has been created in the national interest. If one obeys the traffic rules, one should not have to worry about heavy fines."</p>

<p>Speaking about the importance of awareness campaign, the Union Minister said that the idea is to reduce accidents and save as many lives by having more awareness campaigns. "It is time that people must take all cautions while travelling on the road as we face the highest road accidents/deaths," he asserted.</p>

<p>He also flagged off a specially-designed truck which will move around the country to spread awareness about road safety.</p>

<p>The Delhi Transport Union called for a one-day strike on Thursday against the hefty fines imposed for violating traffic rules under the newly amended Motor Vehicles (MV) Act 2019.</p>

<p>Last month, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had notified the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which was implemented in several states from September 1.</p>

<p>The law enforces heavy fines and stricter penalties for traffic violations. There have been several instances where people have coughed up hefty fines for traffic violations in many parts of the country.</p>


Emphasising citizens to adhere to the amended new Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act 2019, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari defended the law saying that stringent rules were "much needed" as the people were not following the traffic rules seriously.

Emphasising citizens to adhere to the amended new Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act 2019, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari defended the law saying that stringent rules were "much needed" as the people were not following the traffic rules seriously. Saying that there was neither fear nor respect among people towards adhering to the traffic rules, Gadkari said, "Stringent rules were much needed as people had taken traffic laws very lightly and there was neither fear nor respect for the law." Gadkari, who launched Transport Corporation of India Ltd's (TCI) 'Safe Safar awareness' on Thursday, said, "I am surprised that people are protesting against a law (Motor Vehicle Act) that has been created in the national interest. If one obeys the traffic rules, one should not have to worry about heavy fines." Speaking about the importance of awareness campaign, the Union Minister said that the idea is to reduce accidents and save as many lives by having more awareness campaigns. "It is time that people must take all cautions while travelling on the road as we face the highest road accidents/deaths," he asserted. He also flagged off a specially-designed truck which will move around the country to spread awareness about road safety. The Delhi Transport Union called for a one-day strike on Thursday against the hefty fines imposed for violating traffic rules under the newly amended Motor Vehicles (MV) Act 2019. Last month, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had notified the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which was implemented in several states from September 1. The law enforces heavy fines and stricter penalties for traffic violations. There have been several instances where people have coughed up hefty fines for traffic violations in many parts of the country.

Surprised that people protesting against Motor Vehicle Act, it's created in national interest: Gadkari

<p>Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday reviewed the performance of the banks in a meeting with the top management of public sector bank.</p>

<p>"Finance Minister reviewed at length the implementation of series of measures, following extensive stakeholder consultations, announced since 23.8.2019, including consolidation, to support economic growth," a press statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Discussion held on the performance of the banks was carried out with a focus on supporting credit needs of the economy, in particular, the needs of sectors such as NBFCs, HFCs, MSMEs, sectors under stress and enabling better access to cheaper credit.</p>

<p>At the end of August 2019, overall credit growth in the banking sector stood at 10.1 per cent on a year-on-year basis, which is in parallel with record recoveries and cleaning of bank balance-sheets showing better quality of asset book, it said.</p>

<p>The Finance Minister was apprised that banks loan disbursement to key sector remains robust, with the disbursement of Rs 11.83 lakh crore done for MSME sector in FY 2018-19 as against Rs 8.53 lakh crore done in FY 2017-18.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bank has also continued to support the housing sector by disbursing Rs. 2.19 lakh crore for home loans in FY 2018-19 as against Rs 1.81 lakh crore in FY 2017-18.</p>

<p>Pool buy-out of NBFC/HFC post-Septemeber, 2018 till Sept 15- 2019 was Rs 93,018 crore, including Rs 9,155 crore under the newly launched partial credit guarantee scheme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Proposals of another Rs 33,200 crore under the new scheme are also in the pipeline.</p>


Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday reviewed the performance of the banks in a meeting with the top management of public sector bank. "Finance Minister reviewed at length the implementation of series of measures, following extensive stakeholder consultations, announced since 23.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday reviewed the performance of the banks in a meeting with the top management of public sector bank. "Finance Minister reviewed at length the implementation of series of measures, following extensive stakeholder consultations, announced since 23.8.2019, including consolidation, to support economic growth," a press statement said. Discussion held on the performance of the banks was carried out with a focus on supporting credit needs of the economy, in particular, the needs of sectors such as NBFCs, HFCs, MSMEs, sectors under stress and enabling better access to cheaper credit. At the end of August 2019, overall credit growth in the banking sector stood at 10.1 per cent on a year-on-year basis, which is in parallel with record recoveries and cleaning of bank balance-sheets showing better quality of asset book, it said. The Finance Minister was apprised that banks loan disbursement to key sector remains robust, with the disbursement of Rs 11.83 lakh crore done for MSME sector in FY 2018-19 as against Rs 8.53 lakh crore done in FY 2017-18. Bank has also continued to support the housing sector by disbursing Rs. 2.19 lakh crore for home loans in FY 2018-19 as against Rs 1.81 lakh crore in FY 2017-18. Pool buy-out of NBFC/HFC post-Septemeber, 2018 till Sept 15- 2019 was Rs 93,018 crore, including Rs 9,155 crore under the newly launched partial credit guarantee scheme. Proposals of another Rs 33,200 crore under the new scheme are also in the pipeline.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reviews performance of banks with top management

<p>The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday opposed former Finance Minister P Chidambaram's bail plea filed in the Delhi High Court in the INX Media case, on the grounds of "gravity of the offence and the magnitude of the financial embezzlement".</p>

<p>In a reply filed on the Chidambaram'&nbsp;petition, the CBI said that granting bail in "such cases will set a wrong precedent" in the corruption cases.</p>

<p>The agency submitted that the former minister received payments in India and overseas "in connection with FIPB approval and amicably settling down the issues relating to a violation of FEMA".</p>

<p>"That investigation conducted so far has revealed that the accused/ petitioner, while working as the Finance Minister, demanded illegal gratification against which payments were made in India as well as overseas to the Petitioner/accused and his son Karti Chidambaram by other co-accused Indrani Mukerjee and Pratim Mukerjea from various bank accounts maintained in the country as well as abroad in connection with FIPB approval and amicably resolving/settling down the issues relating to violation of FEMA by their company INX Media Pvt Ltd/INX News Pvt. Ltd," said agency in the reply.</p>

<p>Asserting that "sufficient evidence" is available against Chidamabaram, the agency said, "It is further submitted that the statements recorded so far also clearly corroborates the accusation against the accused/petitioner which clearly shows that the accused is the main conspirator of the enure offence, which makes it grave enough to disentitle him from seeking an order of bail from this court."</p>

<p>Hearing on the petition filed by Chidambaram, who is currently lodged Tihar Jail, is scheduled to take place on Monday.</p>

<p>On Thursday, a Delhi court extended his till judicial custody to October 3 in the corruption case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).</p>

<p>He was arrested by the CBI on August 21 and was in its custody till September 5.</p>

<p>On August 6, he was sent to judicial custody which was to end on Thursday. Chidambaram, through one of his counsels, sought the court's direction for a regular check-up and adequate supplement diet in the jail, asserting that he is facing various ailments and has lost some weight during his jail-term.</p>

<p>His counsel Kapil Sibal also said that the Congress leader was given even a chair or pillow in his cell.</p>

<p>Chidambaram was the Finance Minister when the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) gave Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) clearance to INX Media in 2007.</p>

<p>He is facing probe by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged irregularities in granting clearance to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday opposed former Finance Minister P Chidambaram's bail plea filed in the Delhi High Court in the INX Media case, on the grounds of "gravity of the offence and the magnitude of the financial embezzlement".

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday opposed former Finance Minister P Chidambaram's bail plea filed in the Delhi High Court in the INX Media case, on the grounds of "gravity of the offence and the magnitude of the financial embezzlement". In a reply filed on the Chidambaram' petition, the CBI said that granting bail in "such cases will set a wrong precedent" in the corruption cases. The agency submitted that the former minister received payments in India and overseas "in connection with FIPB approval and amicably settling down the issues relating to a violation of FEMA". "That investigation conducted so far has revealed that the accused/ petitioner, while working as the Finance Minister, demanded illegal gratification against which payments were made in India as well as overseas to the Petitioner/accused and his son Karti Chidambaram by other co-accused Indrani Mukerjee and Pratim Mukerjea from various bank accounts maintained in the country as well as abroad in connection with FIPB approval and amicably resolving/settling down the issues relating to violation of FEMA by their company INX Media Pvt Ltd/INX News Pvt. Ltd," said agency in the reply. Asserting that "sufficient evidence" is available against Chidamabaram, the agency said, "It is further submitted that the statements recorded so far also clearly corroborates the accusation against the accused/petitioner which clearly shows that the accused is the main conspirator of the enure offence, which makes it grave enough to disentitle him from seeking an order of bail from this court." Hearing on the petition filed by Chidambaram, who is currently lodged Tihar Jail, is scheduled to take place on Monday. On Thursday, a Delhi court extended his till judicial custody to October 3 in the corruption case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He was arrested by the CBI on August 21 and was in its custody till September 5. On August 6, he was sent to judicial custody which was to end on Thursday. Chidambaram, through one of his counsels, sought the court's direction for a regular check-up and adequate supplement diet in the jail, asserting that he is facing various ailments and has lost some weight during his jail-term. His counsel Kapil Sibal also said that the Congress leader was given even a chair or pillow in his cell. Chidambaram was the Finance Minister when the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) gave Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) clearance to INX Media in 2007. He is facing probe by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged irregularities in granting clearance to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore.

INX media case: CBI opposes Chidambaram's bail plea in Delhi HC citing 'gravity of offence'

<p>A Delhi court on Friday allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to further interrogate Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, in Tihar jail.</p>

<p>Michel was extradited from Dubai last year and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged irregularities in the chopper deal.</p>

<p>The agency is probing his alleged role as a "middleman" in the deal.</p>

<p>Special Judge Arvind Kumar has allowed the CBI to interrogate him from September 24 and 26.</p>

<p>Out of the three days, the court allowed the agency to interrogate him for two days and take the specimen of his signature and handwriting for investigation on the third day.</p>

<p>Michel's lawyer Aljo K Joseph opposed the CBI's plea to interrogate him and said that more than five teams of the handwriting experts had collected his handwriting specimen during the custodial interrogation earlier.</p>

<p>"They directed the accused to write in a particular manner which matches with the handwriting in the documents which is in custody of the CBI," Joseph told the court.</p>

<p>The counsel for CBI, however, denied the allegations.</p>

<p>The court's order came after business Ratul Puri was sent to judicial custody in Tihar jail in connection with the case.</p>

<p>Puri is accused of receiving money from both money trails from Christian Michel and from the Interstellar in AgustaWestland.</p>

<p>The court had earlier rejected Michel's bail plea, asserting that the charges against him are 'serious'.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


A Delhi court on Friday allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to further interrogate Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, in Tihar jail.

A Delhi court on Friday allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to further interrogate Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, in Tihar jail. Michel was extradited from Dubai last year and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged irregularities in the chopper deal. The agency is probing his alleged role as a "middleman" in the deal. Special Judge Arvind Kumar has allowed the CBI to interrogate him from September 24 and 26. Out of the three days, the court allowed the agency to interrogate him for two days and take the specimen of his signature and handwriting for investigation on the third day. Michel's lawyer Aljo K Joseph opposed the CBI's plea to interrogate him and said that more than five teams of the handwriting experts had collected his handwriting specimen during the custodial interrogation earlier. "They directed the accused to write in a particular manner which matches with the handwriting in the documents which is in custody of the CBI," Joseph told the court. The counsel for CBI, however, denied the allegations. The court's order came after business Ratul Puri was sent to judicial custody in Tihar jail in connection with the case. Puri is accused of receiving money from both money trails from Christian Michel and from the Interstellar in AgustaWestland. The court had earlier rejected Michel's bail plea, asserting that the charges against him are 'serious'.

AgustaWestland case: Court allows CBI to further interrogate Christian Michel

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Modi government is committed to making India a big manufacturing hub as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced big-ticket reforms in the economy by slashing corporate tax.</p>

<p>"Rationalisation of corporate tax had been a long-pending demand, which is now a reality. This move will make our corporates globally competitive and our markets much more exciting for potential investors," tweeted Shah.</p>

<p>"Modi government is committed to making India a big manufacturing hub and this decision along with previous announcements on relaxing FDI will go a long way in realising this objective. I congratulate PM @narendramodi and FM @nsitharaman for announcing these bold measures," he tweeted.</p>

<p>Bringing in tax cuts and fiscal reliefs through an Ordinance, the government on Friday slashed domestic corporate tax to an effective 25.17 per cent, inclusive of all surcharges and cess, in a bid to promote growth and investments amid an economic slowdown that would cost the exchequer Rs 1.45 lakh crore.</p>

<p>"A new provision has been inserted in the Income Tax Act from financial year 2019-20 (beginning April 1) which allows any domestic company an option to pay income tax at the rate of 22 per cent subject to the condition that they will not avail any exemption or incentive," Sitharaman told the media ahead of a GST Council meeting.</p>

<p>Today's announcements top a series of measures the finance minister has announced in the last one month to perk up the economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Modi government is committed to making India a big manufacturing hub as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced big-ticket reforms in the economy by slashing corporate tax.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Modi government is committed to making India a big manufacturing hub as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced big-ticket reforms in the economy by slashing corporate tax. "Rationalisation of corporate tax had been a long-pending demand, which is now a reality. This move will make our corporates globally competitive and our markets much more exciting for potential investors," tweeted Shah. "Modi government is committed to making India a big manufacturing hub and this decision along with previous announcements on relaxing FDI will go a long way in realising this objective. I congratulate PM @narendramodi and FM @nsitharaman for announcing these bold measures," he tweeted. Bringing in tax cuts and fiscal reliefs through an Ordinance, the government on Friday slashed domestic corporate tax to an effective 25.17 per cent, inclusive of all surcharges and cess, in a bid to promote growth and investments amid an economic slowdown that would cost the exchequer Rs 1.45 lakh crore. "A new provision has been inserted in the Income Tax Act from financial year 2019-20 (beginning April 1) which allows any domestic company an option to pay income tax at the rate of 22 per cent subject to the condition that they will not avail any exemption or incentive," Sitharaman told the media ahead of a GST Council meeting. Today's announcements top a series of measures the finance minister has announced in the last one month to perk up the economy.

Modi government committed to making India a big manufacturing hub: Amit Shah

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-surges-over-2000-points-after-finance-ministers-corporate-tax-cut-announcement-250789">announcement to slash corporate tax rates</a> and called it "historic".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime minister said that the move will attract private investment from all across the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It will give a great stimulus to #MakeInIndia, attract private investment from across the globe, improve the competitiveness of our private sector, create more jobs and result in a win-win for 130 crore Indians," the prime minister tweeted out.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The announcements in the last few weeks clearly demonstrate that our government is leaving no stone unturned to make India a better place to do business, improve opportunities for all sections of society and increase prosperity to make India a $5 Trillion economy.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1174963369234747392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>PM Modi added that the decisions taken in the last few weeks exhibit that the "government is leaving no stone unturned to make India a better place to do business, improve opportunities for all sections of society and increase prosperity to make India a $5 trillion economy".</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The step to cut corporate tax is historic. It will give a great stimulus to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakeInIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakeInIndia</a>, attract private investment from across the globe, improve competitiveness of our private sector, create more jobs and result in a win-win for 130 crore Indians. <a href="https://t.co/4yNwqyzImE">https://t.co/4yNwqyzImE</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1174963190091771904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The domestic stock markets indices Sensex and Nifty registered their biggest single-day gain in more than a decade after the government announced deep cuts in corporate taxes to revive flagging growth in Asia's third-largest economy.</p>

<p>At 2:00 pm, the Sensex was at 38,313.65, higher by 2,220.18 points from the previous close of 36,093.47 points.</p>

<p>The NSE Nifty50 was trading at 11,379.60, higher by 674.80 points from the previous close.</p>

<p>Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the effective corporate tax rate would be lowered to 25.17 per cent from 30 per cent and scrapped the minimum alternative tax for domestic companies.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement to slash corporate tax rates and called it "historic". The prime minister said that the move will attract private investment from all across the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement to slash corporate tax rates and called it "historic". The prime minister said that the move will attract private investment from all across the world. "It will give a great stimulus to #MakeInIndia, attract private investment from across the globe, improve the competitiveness of our private sector, create more jobs and result in a win-win for 130 crore Indians," the prime minister tweeted out. The announcements in the last few weeks clearly demonstrate that our government is leaving no stone unturned to make India a better place to do business, improve opportunities for all sections of society and increase prosperity to make India a $5 Trillion economy. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2019 × PM Modi added that the decisions taken in the last few weeks exhibit that the "government is leaving no stone unturned to make India a better place to do business, improve opportunities for all sections of society and increase prosperity to make India a $5 trillion economy". The step to cut corporate tax is historic. It will give a great stimulus to #MakeInIndia, attract private investment from across the globe, improve competitiveness of our private sector, create more jobs and result in a win-win for 130 crore Indians. https://t.co/4yNwqyzImE — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2019 × The domestic stock markets indices Sensex and Nifty registered their biggest single-day gain in more than a decade after the government announced deep cuts in corporate taxes to revive flagging growth in Asia's third-largest economy. At 2:00 pm, the Sensex was at 38,313.65, higher by 2,220.18 points from the previous close of 36,093.47 points. The NSE Nifty50 was trading at 11,379.60, higher by 674.80 points from the previous close. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the effective corporate tax rate would be lowered to 25.17 per cent from 30 per cent and scrapped the minimum alternative tax for domestic companies.

It's a win-win for 130 crore Indians: PM Modi on corporate tax rate cut

<p>A day after Alipore Judges Court said that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has right to arrest IPS officer Rajeev Kumar in Saradha chit fund scam case, the latter moved it to file an anticipatory bail petition.</p>

<p>District Judge Sujoy Sengupta accepted his petition. The matter is likely to be heard tomorrow.</p>

<p>The investigating agency yesterday sought a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Kumar, who is presently posted as Additional Director of the Crime Investigation Department (CID). The court, however, turned down the CBI's plea.</p>

<p>The plea for grant of NBW came after he failed to appear before the agency despite being summoned several times.</p>

<p>The court directed the CBI to approach the court if its officers are manhandled during an arrest bid.</p>

<p>Kumar had also moved a plea contending that the CBI requires the West Bengal government`s nod to arrest him as he is a government official.</p>

<p>The Calcutta High Court had last week withdrawn protection from arrest granted to the former Kolkata Commissioner in the case.</p>

<p>Kumar is accused of tampering with evidence in Saradha scam case. He was a part of the SIT constituted by the state government to probe the scam before the Supreme Court transferred it to the CBI.&nbsp;</p>


A day after Alipore Judges Court said that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has right to arrest IPS officer Rajeev Kumar in Saradha chit fund scam case, the latter moved it to file an anticipatory bail petition.

A day after Alipore Judges Court said that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has right to arrest IPS officer Rajeev Kumar in Saradha chit fund scam case, the latter moved it to file an anticipatory bail petition. District Judge Sujoy Sengupta accepted his petition. The matter is likely to be heard tomorrow. The investigating agency yesterday sought a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Kumar, who is presently posted as Additional Director of the Crime Investigation Department (CID). The court, however, turned down the CBI's plea. The plea for grant of NBW came after he failed to appear before the agency despite being summoned several times. The court directed the CBI to approach the court if its officers are manhandled during an arrest bid. Kumar had also moved a plea contending that the CBI requires the West Bengal government`s nod to arrest him as he is a government official. The Calcutta High Court had last week withdrawn protection from arrest granted to the former Kolkata Commissioner in the case. Kumar is accused of tampering with evidence in Saradha scam case. He was a part of the SIT constituted by the state government to probe the scam before the Supreme Court transferred it to the CBI.

Saradha chit fund scam: Former Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar moves anticipatory bail plea

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shahs-call-for-hindi-as-national-language-triggers-political-row-249706">Union Home Minister Amit Shah</a> chaired the 29th meeting of the Northern Zonal Council (NZC) here on Friday.</p>

<p>The Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar, who is also Vice-Chairman of the Council, hosted the meeting.</p>

<p>The Northern Zonal Council consists of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, and Delhi.</p>

<p>Chief Ministers from the member states in the zone along with two ministers each, administrators of Union Territories, Chief Secretaries and senior officers from the State Governments and the Central Government are members of NZC.</p>

<p>The Council takes up issues involving Centre and States and one/many States falling in the Zone. The Zonal Councils thus provide a forum for resolving disputes and irritants between Centre and States and among many States in the Zone.</p>

<p>The Zonal Councils discuss a broad range of issues which include boundary-related disputes, security, infrastructure-related matters like road, transport, industries, water, power, matters pertaining to forests and environment, housing, education, food security, tourism, transport, etc.</p>

<p>Five Zonal Councils were set up in the year 1957 under the States Reorganization Act, 1956. The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of each of these five Zonal Councils and Chief Ministers of the host State (to be chosen by routine every year) is the Vice-Chairman. Two more Ministers from each State are nominated as Members by the Governor.</p>


Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 29th meeting of the Northern Zonal Council (NZC) here on Friday. The Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar, who is also Vice-Chairman of the Council, hosted the meeting.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 29th meeting of the Northern Zonal Council (NZC) here on Friday. The Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar, who is also Vice-Chairman of the Council, hosted the meeting. The Northern Zonal Council consists of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and Delhi. Chief Ministers from the member states in the zone along with two ministers each, administrators of Union Territories, Chief Secretaries and senior officers from the State Governments and the Central Government are members of NZC. The Council takes up issues involving Centre and States and one/many States falling in the Zone. The Zonal Councils thus provide a forum for resolving disputes and irritants between Centre and States and among many States in the Zone. The Zonal Councils discuss a broad range of issues which include boundary-related disputes, security, infrastructure-related matters like road, transport, industries, water, power, matters pertaining to forests and environment, housing, education, food security, tourism, transport, etc. Five Zonal Councils were set up in the year 1957 under the States Reorganization Act, 1956. The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of each of these five Zonal Councils and Chief Ministers of the host State (to be chosen by routine every year) is the Vice-Chairman. Two more Ministers from each State are nominated as Members by the Governor.

Home Minister Amit Shah chairs 29th meeting of Northern Zonal Council

<p>The Indian Army destroyed nine live mortar shells of 120mm found at different locations in the district on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The shells were found at Sandote, Basoni and Balakote villages in Mendhar sub-division of the district.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Indian Army destroyed 9 live mortar shells of 120mm in Sandote, Basoni and Balakote village of Balakote sector in Mendhar sub-division of Poonch district, yesterday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/GDqVdJvR8J">pic.twitter.com/GDqVdJvR8J</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1174555673482317824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Further details are awaited.&nbsp;</p>


The Indian Army destroyed nine live mortar shells of 120mm found at different locations in the district on Wednesday. The shells were found at Sandote, Basoni and Balakote villages in Mendhar sub-division of the district.

The Indian Army destroyed nine live mortar shells of 120mm found at different locations in the district on Wednesday. The shells were found at Sandote, Basoni and Balakote villages in Mendhar sub-division of the district. #WATCH Indian Army destroyed 9 live mortar shells of 120mm in Sandote, Basoni and Balakote village of Balakote sector in Mendhar sub-division of Poonch district, yesterday. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/GDqVdJvR8J — ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2019 × Further details are awaited.

Jammu and Kashmir: Indian Army destroys 9 live mortar shells in Poonch district

<p>Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will meet the heads of public sector banks in Delhi on Thursday.</p>

<p>The government last month announced the merger of 10 public sector banks (PSBs) into four strong lenders with countrywide networks and global reach to boost credit and revive economic growth in the nation`s bid to become a five trillion dollar economy in the next five years.</p>

<p>After this, the total number of PSBs will come down to 12 from 24 banks, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said at a press conference on August 30.</p>

<p>Under the merger, Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank will be merged into one entity to make the second-largest PSB with a business of Rs 17.95 lakh crore and 11,437 branches.</p>

<p>Further, Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank will be merged to become fourth-largest PSB with a business of Rs 15.2 lakh crore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Union Bank of India, Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank will become fifth largest PSB while Indian Bank will merge with Allahabad Bank to become seventh-largest PSB with the business of Rs 8.08 lakh crore.</p>

<p>Bank of India and Central Bank of India will continue as individual entities. Indian Overseas Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and Punjab and Sindh Bank will also continue to operate on their own&nbsp;</p>


Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will meet the heads of public sector banks in Delhi on Thursday. The government last month announced the merger of 10 public sector banks (PSBs) into four strong lenders with countrywide networks and global reach to boost credit and revive economic growth in the nation`s bid to become a five trillion dollar economy in the next five years.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will meet the heads of public sector banks in Delhi on Thursday. The government last month announced the merger of 10 public sector banks (PSBs) into four strong lenders with countrywide networks and global reach to boost credit and revive economic growth in the nation`s bid to become a five trillion dollar economy in the next five years. After this, the total number of PSBs will come down to 12 from 24 banks, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said at a press conference on August 30. Under the merger, Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank will be merged into one entity to make the second-largest PSB with a business of Rs 17.95 lakh crore and 11,437 branches. Further, Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank will be merged to become fourth-largest PSB with a business of Rs 15.2 lakh crore. Union Bank of India, Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank will become fifth largest PSB while Indian Bank will merge with Allahabad Bank to become seventh-largest PSB with the business of Rs 8.08 lakh crore. Bank of India and Central Bank of India will continue as individual entities. Indian Overseas Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and Punjab and Sindh Bank will also continue to operate on their own

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to meet heads of public sector banks in Delhi today

<p>Defence Minister Rajnath Singh becomes the first defence minister to fly in Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on Thursday.</p>

<p>Singh was accompanied by Air Vice Marshal N Tiwari.</p>

<p>The fighter jet took off from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) airport in Bangalore.</p>

<p>The Defence Minister who donned a white helmet waved to onlookers after he took his seat in the back in the twin-seater version of the aircraft.</p>

<p>The defence minister was briefed by the pilot and other top Indian Air Force (IAF) officials.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-flies-in-light-combat-aircraft-tejas-250512/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Earlier today, Rajnath Singh tweeted two pictures of him dressed in a green flight suit. "All Set For The Day!" he posted.</p>

<p>The Tejas is an Indian single-engine, delta wing, multirole light fighter designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.</p>

<p>It came from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, which began in the 1980s to replace India's ageing MiG-21 fighters. In 2003, the LCA was officially named "Tejas".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


Defence Minister Rajnath Singh becomes the first defence minister to fly in Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on Thursday. Singh was accompanied by Air Vice Marshal N Tiwari.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh becomes the first defence minister to fly in Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on Thursday. Singh was accompanied by Air Vice Marshal N Tiwari. The fighter jet took off from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) airport in Bangalore. The Defence Minister who donned a white helmet waved to onlookers after he took his seat in the back in the twin-seater version of the aircraft. The defence minister was briefed by the pilot and other top Indian Air Force (IAF) officials. Earlier today, Rajnath Singh tweeted two pictures of him dressed in a green flight suit. "All Set For The Day!" he posted. The Tejas is an Indian single-engine, delta wing, multirole light fighter designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. It came from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, which began in the 1980s to replace India's ageing MiG-21 fighters. In 2003, the LCA was officially named "Tejas". (With inputs from ANI)

Rajnath Singh becomes first defence minister to fly in Light Combat Aircraft Tejas

<p>India has expressed confidence that United States authorities will make sure Pakistan backed protestors create no disruption to any scheduled event or there is no threat to Prime Minister's security.</p>

<p>The foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "We have seen such reports in Media. I have no doubt, those who handle the matter have discussed the matter with US Side. I am confident the US, within the laws that prevail in the country, will take care to see there is no disruption of the event or threat to the security of prime minister."</p>

<p>Pakistan is planning large scale protest in New York during PM Narendra Modi's US visit next week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two major protests are expected to happen next week which are reportedly sponsored by Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Advisor to Pakistani PM Imran Khan, Zulfi Bukhari has held several meetings with the leaders of Pakistani diaspora foundation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since August 5, New Delhi's decision to remove a special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has been organising violent protest globally especially in front of Indian missions.</p>

<p>Earlier this month violent protestors from the Pakistan community in the UK vandalised the property of the Indian mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India had strongly raised the matter with London back then.&nbsp;</p>


India has expressed confidence that United States authorities will make sure Pakistan backed protestors create no disruption to any scheduled event or there is no threat to Prime Minister's security.

India has expressed confidence that United States authorities will make sure Pakistan backed protestors create no disruption to any scheduled event or there is no threat to Prime Minister's security. The foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "We have seen such reports in Media. I have no doubt, those who handle the matter have discussed the matter with US Side. I am confident the US, within the laws that prevail in the country, will take care to see there is no disruption of the event or threat to the security of prime minister." Pakistan is planning large scale protest in New York during PM Narendra Modi's US visit next week. Two major protests are expected to happen next week which are reportedly sponsored by Pakistan. Advisor to Pakistani PM Imran Khan, Zulfi Bukhari has held several meetings with the leaders of Pakistani diaspora foundation. Since August 5, New Delhi's decision to remove a special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has been organising violent protest globally especially in front of Indian missions. Earlier this month violent protestors from the Pakistan community in the UK vandalised the property of the Indian mission. India had strongly raised the matter with London back then.

India expresses confidence in US authorities as Pakistan plans major protests

<p>Even as Pakistan has denied an overflight to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flight, India has said it, "hopes (Pakistan) will realise the folly of its actions".</p>

<p>Calling Islamabad's action as "unfortunate", foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale in response to a question said, "as far as going to an international organisation is concerned, it will take look at that. So far there is no intention to do so. If they are in violation of the regulation of civil aviation organisation, that is a possibility we can certainly consider".</p>

<p>The rejection can be considered as a violation of ICAO or International Civil Aviation Organization charter. Under the charter, unless its war, denying the use of airspace by singling out cannot be done by any country.</p>

<p>New Delhi can take Pakistan to ICAO where the country can be slapped with a heavy fine.</p>

<p>This is the second time in a month that Pakistan has denied an overflight to an Indian VVIP. Earlier this month, Islamabad denied permission to President Ram Nath Kovind's plane during his Europe visit.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, strongly reacting to Islamabad's decision, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Pakistan should reflect upon its decision to deviate from well established international practice, as well as reconsider its old habit of misrepresenting the reasons for taking unilateral action."</p>

<p>PM Modi will be in the United States from September 21 to 27 for big-ticket events like the diaspora event in Houston and the address to United Nations General Assembly.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Even as Pakistan has denied an overflight to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flight, India has said it, "hopes (Pakistan) will realise the folly of its actions". Calling Islamabad's action as "unfortunate", foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale in response to a question said, "as far as going to an international organisation is concerned, it will take look at that.

Even as Pakistan has denied an overflight to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flight, India has said it, "hopes (Pakistan) will realise the folly of its actions". Calling Islamabad's action as "unfortunate", foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale in response to a question said, "as far as going to an international organisation is concerned, it will take look at that. So far there is no intention to do so. If they are in violation of the regulation of civil aviation organisation, that is a possibility we can certainly consider". The rejection can be considered as a violation of ICAO or International Civil Aviation Organization charter. Under the charter, unless its war, denying the use of airspace by singling out cannot be done by any country. New Delhi can take Pakistan to ICAO where the country can be slapped with a heavy fine. This is the second time in a month that Pakistan has denied an overflight to an Indian VVIP. Earlier this month, Islamabad denied permission to President Ram Nath Kovind's plane during his Europe visit. On Wednesday, strongly reacting to Islamabad's decision, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Pakistan should reflect upon its decision to deviate from well established international practice, as well as reconsider its old habit of misrepresenting the reasons for taking unilateral action." PM Modi will be in the United States from September 21 to 27 for big-ticket events like the diaspora event in Houston and the address to United Nations General Assembly.

Hope Pakistan realises its folly: India on Islamabad's denial to PM Modi's overflight 

<p>As Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy rainfall in Mumbai, all schools and junior colleges would remain closed on Thursday.</p>

<p>The IMD has issued a red rain alert for thirteen districts in Maharashtra with extremely heavy rain at isolated places in Mumbai, Raigad and Satara.</p>

<p>Taking to Twitter, state minister of school education Ashish Shelar said, "In view of heavy rainfall forecasts. As a precautionary measure, the holiday is declared for all schools and junior colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Konkan region for today 19 September 2019."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In view of heavy rainfall forecasts. As a precautionary measure, holiday is declared for all schools &amp; junior colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Konkan region for today 19 Sep 2019. District collectors in other parts of Maharashtra to decide, based on local conditions. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rain</a></p>
— ashish shelar (@ShelarAshish) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShelarAshish/status/1174395571076915200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>He further said that after taking cognisance of local conditions, the district collectors in other parts of Maharashtra will decide whether schools will remain closed or not tomorrow.</p>


As Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy rainfall in Mumbai, all schools and junior colleges would remain closed on Thursday. The IMD has issued a red rain alert for thirteen districts in Maharashtra with extremely heavy rain at isolated places in Mumbai, Raigad and Satara.

As Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy rainfall in Mumbai, all schools and junior colleges would remain closed on Thursday. The IMD has issued a red rain alert for thirteen districts in Maharashtra with extremely heavy rain at isolated places in Mumbai, Raigad and Satara. Taking to Twitter, state minister of school education Ashish Shelar said, "In view of heavy rainfall forecasts. As a precautionary measure, the holiday is declared for all schools and junior colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Konkan region for today 19 September 2019." In view of heavy rainfall forecasts. As a precautionary measure, holiday is declared for all schools & junior colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Konkan region for today 19 Sep 2019. District collectors in other parts of Maharashtra to decide, based on local conditions. #rain — ashish shelar (@ShelarAshish) September 18, 2019 × He further said that after taking cognisance of local conditions, the district collectors in other parts of Maharashtra will decide whether schools will remain closed or not tomorrow.

All schools to remain shut as Indian Meteorological Department predicts heavy rainfall in Mumbai

<p>Ahead of General debate in United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres has called for dialogue between India and Pakistan as an essential element to resolve any problem in the region. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Responding to a question on the situation on developments in Kashmir, Guterres said, "I go on with a clear opinion that human rights must be fully respected in the territory. And I go on with a clear opinion that dialogue between India and Pakistan is an essential element for the solution of the problem."</p>

<p>The Secretary-General also explained that the UN's "capacity is only related to good offices and good offices can only be implemented when parties accept it."</p>

<p>New Delhi has rejected any third party mediation&nbsp;and reminded that under Lahore declaration and Shimla Agreement both India and Pakistan will resolve all issues bilaterally.</p>

<p>On the situation of Uighurs Muslims in China, Guterres said, "I don't think anyone has been more persistent and more clear in talking to Chinese authorities about this issue than myself."</p>

<p>Adding further he said, "I have been doing publically much more than many world leaders."</p>

<p>Many western governments have been saying Uighurs are been systemically targeted by China and being sent to re-education camps while countries such as Pakistan have been silent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 74) opened on September 17 and the first day of high-level General Debate will be on September 24.</p>

<p>On Monday, UN Secretary-General will convene a Climate Summit, and the UNGA will hold a one-day high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage.</p>


Ahead of General debate in United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres has called for dialogue between India and Pakistan as an essential element to resolve any problem in the region.

Ahead of General debate in United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres has called for dialogue between India and Pakistan as an essential element to resolve any problem in the region. Responding to a question on the situation on developments in Kashmir, Guterres said, "I go on with a clear opinion that human rights must be fully respected in the territory. And I go on with a clear opinion that dialogue between India and Pakistan is an essential element for the solution of the problem." The Secretary-General also explained that the UN's "capacity is only related to good offices and good offices can only be implemented when parties accept it." New Delhi has rejected any third party mediation and reminded that under Lahore declaration and Shimla Agreement both India and Pakistan will resolve all issues bilaterally. On the situation of Uighurs Muslims in China, Guterres said, "I don't think anyone has been more persistent and more clear in talking to Chinese authorities about this issue than myself." Adding further he said, "I have been doing publically much more than many world leaders." Many western governments have been saying Uighurs are been systemically targeted by China and being sent to re-education camps while countries such as Pakistan have been silent. The 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 74) opened on September 17 and the first day of high-level General Debate will be on September 24. On Monday, UN Secretary-General will convene a Climate Summit, and the UNGA will hold a one-day high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage.

Dialogue between India, Pakistan essential element: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres

<p>Chandrayaan-2 orbiter continues to perform the mission to complete satisfaction while experts are still analysing the communication loss with Vikram lander, informed Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Thursday.</p>

<p>"#Chandrayaan2 Orbiter continues to perform scheduled science experiments to complete satisfaction. Meanwhile, the National Committee of academicians and ISRO experts are analyzing the cause of communication loss with #VikramLander," tweeted ISRO.</p>

<p>ISRO further informed that the initial trials for orbiter payloads were completed successfully and the performance of all orbiter payloads was satisfactory.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, ISRO Chairman K Sivan had stated that the Chandryaan-2 orbiter has clicked a thermal image of Vikram Lander.</p>

<p>The Lander Vikram was to soft-land on the far side of the moon at on September 7.</p>

<p>Minutes before its scheduled soft-landing, the communication with Vikram Lander was lost.</p>

<p>The Vikram Lander successfully separated from Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter on September 2.</p>

<p>After revolving around the Earth's orbit for nearly 23 days, the craft began its journey to the moon on August 14.</p>

<p>The mission took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 22.&nbsp;</p>


Chandrayaan-2 orbiter continues to perform the mission to complete satisfaction while experts are still analysing the communication loss with Vikram lander, informed Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Thursday.

Chandrayaan-2 orbiter continues to perform the mission to complete satisfaction while experts are still analysing the communication loss with Vikram lander, informed Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Thursday. "#Chandrayaan2 Orbiter continues to perform scheduled science experiments to complete satisfaction. Meanwhile, the National Committee of academicians and ISRO experts are analyzing the cause of communication loss with #VikramLander," tweeted ISRO. ISRO further informed that the initial trials for orbiter payloads were completed successfully and the performance of all orbiter payloads was satisfactory. Earlier this month, ISRO Chairman K Sivan had stated that the Chandryaan-2 orbiter has clicked a thermal image of Vikram Lander. The Lander Vikram was to soft-land on the far side of the moon at on September 7. Minutes before its scheduled soft-landing, the communication with Vikram Lander was lost. The Vikram Lander successfully separated from Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter on September 2. After revolving around the Earth's orbit for nearly 23 days, the craft began its journey to the moon on August 14. The mission took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 22.

Chandrayaan-2 orbiter performing mission to complete satisfaction: ISRO

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday flew in a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas which took-off from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) airport in Bengaluru. The aircraft has been indigenously developed by India. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Indian Defence Minister flies Tejas jet

<p>India meets the criteria for trade concessions that the United States eliminated in June, India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said on Thursday.</p>

<p>The United States removed India from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programme that allowed duty-free entry for up to $5.6 billion worth of its annual exports to the United States, citing lack of reciprocal market access.</p>

<p>Washington should take a call on reinstating trade concessions under the GSP, Gokhale told a news conference.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet US&nbsp;President Donald Trump later this month in the United States.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet executives from energy majors BP PLC and Exxon Mobil Corp in the United States next week to discuss investment opportunities, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.</p>

<p>The energy hungry nation, which has been increasing imports of crude from the United States, is looking at raising oil imports from Russia, amid uncertainty over supplies after an attack on Saudi Arabian facilities last weekend.</p>

<p>Modi will also attend a separate investment event with executives from JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co, Lockheed Martin, Mastercard Inc and Walmart Inc, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


India meets the criteria for trade concessions that the United States eliminated in June, India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said on Thursday. The United States removed India from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programme that allowed duty-free entry for up to $5.

India meets the criteria for trade concessions that the United States eliminated in June, India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said on Thursday. The United States removed India from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programme that allowed duty-free entry for up to $5.6 billion worth of its annual exports to the United States, citing lack of reciprocal market access. Washington should take a call on reinstating trade concessions under the GSP, Gokhale told a news conference. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump later this month in the United States. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet executives from energy majors BP PLC and Exxon Mobil Corp in the United States next week to discuss investment opportunities, the foreign ministry said on Thursday. The energy hungry nation, which has been increasing imports of crude from the United States, is looking at raising oil imports from Russia, amid uncertainty over supplies after an attack on Saudi Arabian facilities last weekend. Modi will also attend a separate investment event with executives from JPMorgan Chase & Co, Lockheed Martin, Mastercard Inc and Walmart Inc, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

India meets criteria to reclaim US trade concessions

<p>A London court on Thursday extended the judicial custody of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/interpol-issues-red-corner-notice-against-fugitive-nirav-modis-brother-nehal-249347">fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi</a> till October 17 in connection with Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case.</p>

<p>The 48-year-old businessman appeared before the Westminster Magistrates'&nbsp;Court via video link from Wandsworth prison in south-west London, where he is currently lodged.</p>

<p>The diamantaire and his nephew Mehul Choksi are the main accused in the PNB loan default case.</p>

<p>The duo fled the country in January last year before the scam came to light.</p>

<p>Modi was arrested on March 19 by Scotland Yard in connection with the case and is in prison since then.</p>

<p>He has not returned to India despite repeated summonses from Indian probe agencies and courts.</p>

<p>India is seeking his extradition to make him face the law of the land for allegedly committing the economic offences.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


A London court on Thursday extended the judicial custody of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi till October 17 in connection with Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case.

A London court on Thursday extended the judicial custody of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi till October 17 in connection with Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case. The 48-year-old businessman appeared before the Westminster Magistrates' Court via video link from Wandsworth prison in south-west London, where he is currently lodged. The diamantaire and his nephew Mehul Choksi are the main accused in the PNB loan default case. The duo fled the country in January last year before the scam came to light. Modi was arrested on March 19 by Scotland Yard in connection with the case and is in prison since then. He has not returned to India despite repeated summonses from Indian probe agencies and courts. India is seeking his extradition to make him face the law of the land for allegedly committing the economic offences.

Nirav Modi's judicial custody extended till October 17 by London court

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/biggest-address-20-bilaterals-and-meeting-with-trump-pm-modis-jam-packed-us-schedule-250601">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Thursday addressed a rally in Nashik, Maharashtra ahead of the Assembly polls.</p>

<p>During his address, the prime minister spoke on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and said that the country has started walking towards the dream&nbsp;of curbing problems in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>"We had promised that we will make new efforts to curb the problems in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Today I can say with satisfaction that the country has started walking towards fulfilling those dreams," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Narendra Modi in Nashik: The country can feel that in the covers of this decision (Article 370), efforts are being done from across the border to spread to unrest and disbelief. Lot of efforts are being done to fuel violence in Jammu and Kashmir. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> <a href="https://t.co/WWQOFu9DSk">pic.twitter.com/WWQOFu9DSk</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1174619136476893184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>On the abrogation of Article 370, PM Modi said that the decision was not of the Central government's alone but is the disclosure of "sentiments of 130 crore Indians".</p>

<p>"This decision is to bring out people of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh from violence, terrorism, separatism, corruption," the prime minister said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM: Implementation of India's constitution in totality in Jammu-Kashmir wasn't the decision of a govt alone, it's the disclosure of sentiments of 130 crore Indians. This decision is to bring out people of Jammu and Kashmir &amp; Ladakh from violence, terrorism, separatism, corruption <a href="https://t.co/jACgxKkEHB">https://t.co/jACgxKkEHB</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1174617159110029312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"The country can feel that in the covers of this decision (Article 370), efforts are being done from across the border to spread unrest and disbelief. A lot of efforts are being done to fuel violence in Jammu and Kashmir," he said adding that "the youth, mothers and sisters in Jammu and Kashmir" want development and new employment opportunities.</p>

<p>"They have finally made up their minds to come out of the long period of violence," the prime minister noted.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Modi in Nashik: In the first 100 days, there is a glimpse of the point of view of the new India, there is the message of global power of India, there is the belief of welfare, there is efforts for development of country's economic structure &amp; creation of new job opportunities. <a href="https://t.co/uXKzm88fKe">https://t.co/uXKzm88fKe</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1174612683095564288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>PM Modi also spoke on the first 100 days of his second term and said that, "in the first 100 days, there is a glimpse of the point of view of the new India, there is the message of global power of India, there is the belief of welfare, there are efforts for development of country's economic structure and creation of new job opportunities".</p>

<p>"When I came to you during LS elections I had told you that the pace of development will be increased, it'll be done within a time frame and I'll come to you time to time with answers. We just completed the first 100 days and the first century is before you," Modi added. &nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed a rally in Nashik, Maharashtra ahead of the Assembly polls. During his address, the prime minister spoke on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and said that the country has started walking towards the dream of curbing problems in Jammu and Kashmir.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed a rally in Nashik, Maharashtra ahead of the Assembly polls. During his address, the prime minister spoke on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and said that the country has started walking towards the dream of curbing problems in Jammu and Kashmir. "We had promised that we will make new efforts to curb the problems in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Today I can say with satisfaction that the country has started walking towards fulfilling those dreams," he said. PM Narendra Modi in Nashik: The country can feel that in the covers of this decision (Article 370), efforts are being done from across the border to spread to unrest and disbelief. Lot of efforts are being done to fuel violence in Jammu and Kashmir. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/WWQOFu9DSk — ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2019 × On the abrogation of Article 370, PM Modi said that the decision was not of the Central government's alone but is the disclosure of "sentiments of 130 crore Indians". "This decision is to bring out people of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh from violence, terrorism, separatism, corruption," the prime minister said. PM: Implementation of India's constitution in totality in Jammu-Kashmir wasn't the decision of a govt alone, it's the disclosure of sentiments of 130 crore Indians. This decision is to bring out people of Jammu and Kashmir & Ladakh from violence, terrorism, separatism, corruption https://t.co/jACgxKkEHB — ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2019 × "The country can feel that in the covers of this decision (Article 370), efforts are being done from across the border to spread unrest and disbelief. A lot of efforts are being done to fuel violence in Jammu and Kashmir," he said adding that "the youth, mothers and sisters in Jammu and Kashmir" want development and new employment opportunities. "They have finally made up their minds to come out of the long period of violence," the prime minister noted. PM Modi in Nashik: In the first 100 days, there is a glimpse of the point of view of the new India, there is the message of global power of India, there is the belief of welfare, there is efforts for development of country's economic structure & creation of new job opportunities. https://t.co/uXKzm88fKe — ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2019 × PM Modi also spoke on the first 100 days of his second term and said that, "in the first 100 days, there is a glimpse of the point of view of the new India, there is the message of global power of India, there is the belief of welfare, there are efforts for development of country's economic structure and creation of new job opportunities". "When I came to you during LS elections I had told you that the pace of development will be increased, it'll be done within a time frame and I'll come to you time to time with answers. We just completed the first 100 days and the first century is before you," Modi added.

Article 370 move was the disclosure of 'sentiments of 130 crore Indians': PM Modi in Nashik 

<p>Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Thursday outlined <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-didnt-act-alone-on-article-370-it-was-the-disclosure-of-sentiments-of-130-crore-indians-pm-modi-in-nashik-250596">PM Modi</a>'s schedule during his trip to the United States this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gokhale said that on September 22, the prime minister will hold his biggest address ever in the United States. PM Modi will be addressing the Indian diaspora at the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston, Texas which will see the attendance of over 50,000 people.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale: On the 22nd of September, the highlight would be the Prime Minister's address to the Indian community. We are delighted that President Trump will also be there. <a href="https://t.co/o0VB84kcqL">https://t.co/o0VB84kcqL</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1174634710028308481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The prime minister's previous addresses in the US were at the Madison Square Garden in 2014 and California in the year 2015.</p>

<p>The prime minister will hold a business event which will be a roundtable of CEOs of the energy sector.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale: On 24th September, in the late afternoon we organise our event to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, in the UN. This event is titled 'Leadership matters: Relevance of Gandhi in contemporary times'. <a href="https://t.co/mcfZ4p4Ow9">pic.twitter.com/mcfZ4p4Ow9</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1174635624315285504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"PM Modi will also interact with members of US Congress during his visit," Gokhale added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On the 23rd, PM Modi will head to New York wherein he will take part in multilateral events". He will meet with the US president Donald Trump on September 24 in New York.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale: We are delighted that the Prime Minister will be joined by some heads of govt, these include President of the Republic of Korea, PM of Singapore, PM of New Zealand, PM of Bangladesh, PM of Jamaica as well as the UN Secretary General. <a href="https://t.co/AIWPGOcecR">https://t.co/AIWPGOcecR</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1174635779378647041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>PM Modi will take part in an event on climate change wherein he will talk about the efforts taken to combat climate change. "Terrorism is not the focus this time and will only be part of the discussion," Gokhale said adding that India will not raise the matter of Article 370 at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime minister will hold as many as 20 bilaterals in the United States.</p>

<p>PM Modi visit will also see three launches taking place. One such lauch will be that of Gandhi solar park - installation of solar panels on the rooftop of the UN headquarters in New York - from a grant of $US 1 million that India has given to promote renewable energy and showcase India's commitment to using of solar energy</p>

<p>This year Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation's 'Global Goalkeeper's Award' will be given to PM Modi for his leadership in the field of sanitation through 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'. Every year, the award is given to a world leader for achievements in a specific sustainable development goal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India will also be commemorating Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary at the UN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi will reach United States on September 21.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;</p>


Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Thursday outlined PM Modi's schedule during his trip to the United States this week. Gokhale said that on September 22, the prime minister will hold his biggest address ever in the United States.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Thursday outlined PM Modi's schedule during his trip to the United States this week. Gokhale said that on September 22, the prime minister will hold his biggest address ever in the United States. PM Modi will be addressing the Indian diaspora at the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston, Texas which will see the attendance of over 50,000 people. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale: On the 22nd of September, the highlight would be the Prime Minister's address to the Indian community. We are delighted that President Trump will also be there. https://t.co/o0VB84kcqL — ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2019 × The prime minister's previous addresses in the US were at the Madison Square Garden in 2014 and California in the year 2015. The prime minister will hold a business event which will be a roundtable of CEOs of the energy sector. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale: On 24th September, in the late afternoon we organise our event to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, in the UN. This event is titled 'Leadership matters: Relevance of Gandhi in contemporary times'. pic.twitter.com/mcfZ4p4Ow9 — ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2019 × "PM Modi will also interact with members of US Congress during his visit," Gokhale added. "On the 23rd, PM Modi will head to New York wherein he will take part in multilateral events". He will meet with the US president Donald Trump on September 24 in New York. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale: We are delighted that the Prime Minister will be joined by some heads of govt, these include President of the Republic of Korea, PM of Singapore, PM of New Zealand, PM of Bangladesh, PM of Jamaica as well as the UN Secretary General. https://t.co/AIWPGOcecR — ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2019 × PM Modi will take part in an event on climate change wherein he will talk about the efforts taken to combat climate change. "Terrorism is not the focus this time and will only be part of the discussion," Gokhale said adding that India will not raise the matter of Article 370 at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The prime minister will hold as many as 20 bilaterals in the United States. PM Modi visit will also see three launches taking place. One such lauch will be that of Gandhi solar park - installation of solar panels on the rooftop of the UN headquarters in New York - from a grant of $US 1 million that India has given to promote renewable energy and showcase India's commitment to using of solar energy This year Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's 'Global Goalkeeper's Award' will be given to PM Modi for his leadership in the field of sanitation through 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'. Every year, the award is given to a world leader for achievements in a specific sustainable development goal. India will also be commemorating Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary at the UN. PM Modi will reach United States on September 21. (With inputs from ANI)

Biggest address, 20 bilaterals and meeting with Trump: PM Modi's jam-packed US schedule 

Indian government bans e-cigarettes citing health risks to youth. Watch video to know more.

Indian government bans e-cigarettes citing health risks to youth

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news