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As Switzerland strives hard to re-establish its global financial centre position after clamping down on secrecy walls of its banks, there has been a significant surge in the number of cases where it has initiated process to share information on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-indian-black-money-in-swiss-bank-reduced-154261">Indians </a>with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/55-businessmen-of-nepal-have-stashed-billions-in-swiss-banks-cij-190961">Swiss bank </a>accounts and shot off letters to about a dozen such individuals last week itself.

Since March, at least 25 notices have been issued by the Swiss authorities to Indian clients of Switzerland-based banks in which they have been given one last chance to appeal against sharing of their details with India.

Watch: Indian deposits in Swiss banks fell by 80%

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An analysis of the notices issued by the Federal Tax Administration, Switzerland government's nodal department for sharing of information on foreign clients of Swiss banks, shows that the Swiss government has stepped up its efforts in sharing such details with a number of countries in the recent months, but the surge in India-related cases is noticeable in the past few weeks.

At least 11 such notices were issued to Indian nationals on May 21 itself, though the gazette notifications of the Swiss government has redacted full names for several of them while making public only their initials beside the nationality and the dates of birth.

The two Indians whose names have been mentioned in full are Krishna Bhagwan Ramchand (born in May 1949) and Kalpesh Harshad Kinariwala (born in September 1972). However, no further details have been disclosed about them as well.

The Indian nationals with redacted names include Mrs A S B K (born November 24, 1944), Mr A B K I (born July 9, 1944), Mrs P A S (born November 2, 1983), Mrs R A S (born November 22, 1973), Mr A P S (born November 27, 1944), Mrs A DS (born August 14, 1949), Mr M L A (born May 20, 1935), Mr N M A (born February 21, 1968) and Mr M M A (June 27, 1973).

In these notices, the individuals or their authorised representatives have been asked to file their appeals, if any, within 30 days with necessary documentary proof to support their case against providing 'administrative assistance' to India, which broadly means sharing of their banking and other financial details.

Earlier this month on May 7, a similar notice was issued to another Indian national, Ratan Singh Chowdhury, giving an option to appeal within ten days, while another Indian national with redacted name, Mr R P N, was given 30 days on May 14.

In April also, some such notices were issued including to one Mrs J N V, as also to Mr Kuldip Singh Dhingra and Anil Bhardwaj, among others.

Several of these names are said to have figured in the leaked HSBC lists and Panama papers which allegedly contained names of Indians with Swiss bank accounts and are being probed by Indian authorities in alleged black money cases.

In case of Krishna Bhagwan Ramchand and Kalpesh Harshad Kinariwala, such notices were issued in April as well and fresh notices have been served to them presumably after their responses to the earlier notices.

Before that in March, Switzerland had issued such notices to Mumbai-based Geodesic Ltd and its three directors (Prashant Sharad Mulekar, Pankajkumar Onkar Srivastava and Kiran Kulkarni), as also to Chennai-based Aadhi Enterprises Pvt Ltd, who are being probed by the Indian authorities for alleged money laundering and other financial irregularities.

Switzerland was widely known as an alleged safe haven for black money before it bowed down before the global pressure and agreed to bring down the famed secrecy walls that had historically surrounded the Swiss banks, provided the requesting country gave proof for financial irregularities done by the concerned person or the company.

Along with several other countries, India has also been making use of this change in the stance of Switzerland by seeking details of suspected black money hoarders in Swiss banks and it has already got back information in a large number of cases in the last few years.

As per the Swiss law, the FTA decision can be appealed within 30 days (in some cases 10 days), provided the appellant is able to give sufficient ground to challenge it.

While the Swiss government documents did not disclose specific details related to the information and assistance sought by the Indian authorities regarding these Indian companies and individuals, such an 'administrative assistance' follows submission of proof about financial and tax-related wrongdoings and typically involves sharing of information relating to bank account details and other financial data.

While Switzerland has always denied being a safe haven for black money, it has begun sharing details for last few years with several countries including India after submission of evidence about financial and tax-related wrongdoings of the clients of Swiss banks.

Besides, a new framework of automatic information exchange has been now put in place and the details can be accessed under the new system from this year.

According to Switzerland's State Secretariat for International Finance, the global standard for the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) on financial accounts is expected to increase the transparency and prevent cross-border tax evasion.

The global standard makes provision for the mutual exchange of information on financial accounts between states and territories that have agreed among themselves to the AEOI. Besides Switzerland, over 100 states and territories, including all major financial centres, have declared their intention to adopt the standard.

 
&nbsp;

As Switzerland strives hard to re-establish its global financial centre position after clamping down on secrecy walls of its banks, there has been a significant surge in the number of cases where it has initiated process to share information on Indians with Swiss bank accounts and shot off letters to about a dozen such individuals last week itself.

As Switzerland strives hard to re-establish its global financial centre position after clamping down on secrecy walls of its banks, there has been a significant surge in the number of cases where it has initiated process to share information on Indians with Swiss bank accounts and shot off letters to about a dozen such individuals last week itself. Since March, at least 25 notices have been issued by the Swiss authorities to Indian clients of Switzerland-based banks in which they have been given one last chance to appeal against sharing of their details with India. Watch: Indian deposits in Swiss banks fell by 80% × An analysis of the notices issued by the Federal Tax Administration, Switzerland government's nodal department for sharing of information on foreign clients of Swiss banks, shows that the Swiss government has stepped up its efforts in sharing such details with a number of countries in the recent months, but the surge in India-related cases is noticeable in the past few weeks. At least 11 such notices were issued to Indian nationals on May 21 itself, though the gazette notifications of the Swiss government has redacted full names for several of them while making public only their initials beside the nationality and the dates of birth. The two Indians whose names have been mentioned in full are Krishna Bhagwan Ramchand (born in May 1949) and Kalpesh Harshad Kinariwala (born in September 1972). However, no further details have been disclosed about them as well. The Indian nationals with redacted names include Mrs A S B K (born November 24, 1944), Mr A B K I (born July 9, 1944), Mrs P A S (born November 2, 1983), Mrs R A S (born November 22, 1973), Mr A P S (born November 27, 1944), Mrs A DS (born August 14, 1949), Mr M L A (born May 20, 1935), Mr N M A (born February 21, 1968) and Mr M M A (June 27, 1973). In these notices, the individuals or their authorised representatives have been asked to file their appeals, if any, within 30 days with necessary documentary proof to support their case against providing 'administrative assistance' to India, which broadly means sharing of their banking and other financial details. Earlier this month on May 7, a similar notice was issued to another Indian national, Ratan Singh Chowdhury, giving an option to appeal within ten days, while another Indian national with redacted name, Mr R P N, was given 30 days on May 14. In April also, some such notices were issued including to one Mrs J N V, as also to Mr Kuldip Singh Dhingra and Anil Bhardwaj, among others. Several of these names are said to have figured in the leaked HSBC lists and Panama papers which allegedly contained names of Indians with Swiss bank accounts and are being probed by Indian authorities in alleged black money cases. In case of Krishna Bhagwan Ramchand and Kalpesh Harshad Kinariwala, such notices were issued in April as well and fresh notices have been served to them presumably after their responses to the earlier notices. Before that in March, Switzerland had issued such notices to Mumbai-based Geodesic Ltd and its three directors (Prashant Sharad Mulekar, Pankajkumar Onkar Srivastava and Kiran Kulkarni), as also to Chennai-based Aadhi Enterprises Pvt Ltd, who are being probed by the Indian authorities for alleged money laundering and other financial irregularities. Switzerland was widely known as an alleged safe haven for black money before it bowed down before the global pressure and agreed to bring down the famed secrecy walls that had historically surrounded the Swiss banks, provided the requesting country gave proof for financial irregularities done by the concerned person or the company. Along with several other countries, India has also been making use of this change in the stance of Switzerland by seeking details of suspected black money hoarders in Swiss banks and it has already got back information in a large number of cases in the last few years. As per the Swiss law, the FTA decision can be appealed within 30 days (in some cases 10 days), provided the appellant is able to give sufficient ground to challenge it. While the Swiss government documents did not disclose specific details related to the information and assistance sought by the Indian authorities regarding these Indian companies and individuals, such an 'administrative assistance' follows submission of proof about financial and tax-related wrongdoings and typically involves sharing of information relating to bank account details and other financial data. While Switzerland has always denied being a safe haven for black money, it has begun sharing details for last few years with several countries including India after submission of evidence about financial and tax-related wrongdoings of the clients of Swiss banks. Besides, a new framework of automatic information exchange has been now put in place and the details can be accessed under the new system from this year. According to Switzerland's State Secretariat for International Finance, the global standard for the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) on financial accounts is expected to increase the transparency and prevent cross-border tax evasion. The global standard makes provision for the mutual exchange of information on financial accounts between states and territories that have agreed among themselves to the AEOI. Besides Switzerland, over 100 states and territories, including all major financial centres, have declared their intention to adopt the standard.

Switzerland steps up process to share banking information; 11 Indians get notices in a day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-still-has-confidence-in-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-221636">Donald Trump says still has 'confidence' in North Korea's Kim Jong-un</a>

US President Donald Trump took to Twitter on Sunday to express his "confidence" in North Korean leader Kim Jong-un despite Pyongyang's recent weapons tests and deadlocked nuclear talks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-leadership-hopefuls-vow-to-succeed-where-theresa-may-failed-on-brexit-221639">UK leadership hopefuls vow to succeed where Theresa May failed on Brexit</a>

The race to become Britain's next premier opened in earnest Saturday with an array of hopefuls promising to succeed where Theresa May failed and finally pull the divided country out of the EU.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-to-meet-nicolas-maduro-envoys-in-oslo-guaido-221654">Venezuela opposition to meet Nicolas Maduro envoys in Oslo: Guaido</a>

Delegates of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his rival Juan Guaido will hold their first face-to-face meeting in Oslo next week, the opposition leader said Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-coast-on-high-alert-after-is-boat-reportedly-sets-off-from-sri-lanka-221651">Kerala coast on high alert after IS boat reportedly sets off from Sri Lanka</a>

The Kerala coast has been put on high alert following intelligence reports that boats allegedly carrying 15 Islamic State Terrorists had set off from Sri Lanka to the Lakshadweep islands, police said Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/nepal/british-climber-dies-on-everest-as-death-toll-of-climbers-in-nepal-reaches-18-221644">British climber dies on Everest as death toll of climbers in Nepal reaches 18</a>

A British climber too weak to descend from Mount Everest died on Saturday, officials said, the eighth climber to die on the world’s tallest mountain and the 18th in Nepal`s Himalayas during the current climbing season.

&nbsp;

Donald Trump says still has 'confidence' in North Korea's Kim Jong-un US President Donald Trump took to Twitter on Sunday to express his "confidence" in North Korean leader Kim Jong-un despite Pyongyang's recent weapons tests and deadlocked nuclear talks.

Donald Trump says still has 'confidence' in North Korea's Kim Jong-un US President Donald Trump took to Twitter on Sunday to express his "confidence" in North Korean leader Kim Jong-un despite Pyongyang's recent weapons tests and deadlocked nuclear talks. UK leadership hopefuls vow to succeed where Theresa May failed on Brexit The race to become Britain's next premier opened in earnest Saturday with an array of hopefuls promising to succeed where Theresa May failed and finally pull the divided country out of the EU. Venezuela opposition to meet Nicolas Maduro envoys in Oslo: Guaido Delegates of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his rival Juan Guaido will hold their first face-to-face meeting in Oslo next week, the opposition leader said Saturday. Kerala coast on high alert after IS boat reportedly sets off from Sri Lanka The Kerala coast has been put on high alert following intelligence reports that boats allegedly carrying 15 Islamic State Terrorists had set off from Sri Lanka to the Lakshadweep islands, police said Saturday. British climber dies on Everest as death toll of climbers in Nepal reaches 18 A British climber too weak to descend from Mount Everest died on Saturday, officials said, the eighth climber to die on the world’s tallest mountain and the 18th in Nepal`s Himalayas during the current climbing season.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Congress president Rahul Gandhi still remains adamant on quitting as the party president despite the party's highest decision-making body – the Congress Working Committee – categorically refusing to accept his offer to resign from the top post.

Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president

PM Modi will be going to Gujarat tomorrow evening, to seek mother's blessings. Watch full video to know more.

PM Modi to visit Gujarat today to seek mother's blessings

The BJP-led NDA unanimously elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its leader during the board meeting held at Central Hall in New Delhi on Saturday afternoon. Watch full video to know more.

NDA unanimously chooses Modi as Prime Minister

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/monsoon-likely-to-be-slightly-delayed-will-arrive-over-kerala-on-june-6th-imd-218999">Kerala coast</a> has been put on high alert following intelligence reports that boats allegedly carrying 15 Islamic State Terrorists had set off from Sri Lanka to the Lakshadweep islands, police said Saturday.

According to highly places sources in the police department, the coastal police stations and coastal district police chiefs have been alerted.

"Such alerts are usual practice but this time we have a piece of specific information about the number.

We have alerted the coastal police stations and the police chiefs of coastal districts to be on alert in case of any sighting of suspicious vessels," a top police source told PTI.

The coastal police department said it was on alert since May 23, the day the alert came from Sri Lanka.

"We were on alert since the Sri Lankan attack took place. We have also alerted the fishing vessels and others venturing into the sea to be cautious of suspicious activities," coastal department sources confirmed to PTI.

After the serial bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, Kerala was on alert, especially after NIA investigations revealed that IS operatives had planned attacks in the State.

Intelligence agencies believe that a considerable number of Keralites are still with the ISIS which was recently wiped out from Iraq and Syria.

Sri Lanka witnessed a deadly terror attack on April 21 when eight blasts rocked the Island nation killing over 250 people.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the incident.&nbsp;

The Kerala coast has been put on high alert following intelligence reports that boats allegedly carrying 15 Islamic State Terrorists had set off from Sri Lanka to the Lakshadweep islands, police said Saturday.

The Kerala coast has been put on high alert following intelligence reports that boats allegedly carrying 15 Islamic State Terrorists had set off from Sri Lanka to the Lakshadweep islands, police said Saturday. According to highly places sources in the police department, the coastal police stations and coastal district police chiefs have been alerted. "Such alerts are usual practice but this time we have a piece of specific information about the number. We have alerted the coastal police stations and the police chiefs of coastal districts to be on alert in case of any sighting of suspicious vessels," a top police source told PTI. The coastal police department said it was on alert since May 23, the day the alert came from Sri Lanka. "We were on alert since the Sri Lankan attack took place. We have also alerted the fishing vessels and others venturing into the sea to be cautious of suspicious activities," coastal department sources confirmed to PTI. After the serial bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, Kerala was on alert, especially after NIA investigations revealed that IS operatives had planned attacks in the State. Intelligence agencies believe that a considerable number of Keralites are still with the ISIS which was recently wiped out from Iraq and Syria. Sri Lanka witnessed a deadly terror attack on April 21 when eight blasts rocked the Island nation killing over 250 people. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the incident.

Kerala coast on high alert after IS boat reportedly sets off from Sri Lanka

Congress president Rahul Gandhi reportedly told that he wanted to work for the party's ideology and not keen on any party post during Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, reported news agency ANI.&nbsp;

The Congress president offered to quit as party president during CWC meeting but it was unanimously rejected. &nbsp;

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, the Congress president reportedly said, "Mahatma Gandhi fought for ideology and for people, irrespective of their cast and religion, but never took any post", according to sources.

He also accused senior party leaders of pressuring him to give tickets to their sons in the elections without naming Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and former finance minister P Chidambaram.

Rajasthan chief minister Gehlot`s son Vaibhav Gehlot contested from Jodhpur parliamentary constituency and lost, while Kamal Nath`s son Nakul Nath has won from Chhindwara and P Chidambaram`s son Karti Chidambaram registered a victory from Sivaganga.

When Jyotiraditya Scindia suggested that the party should consolidate leadership in specific regions, Gandhi, in a satirical tone, questioned him, "Is it necessary to consolidate leadership in a region so that chief ministers presser the party`s top brass to give tickets to their sons?"&nbsp;

Gandhi also expressed displeasure over sluggishness of the party leaders in raising the Rafale deal issue, sources added.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised party leaders saying that her brother Rahul was left alone when he was criticizing the BJP on its policies.

(With inputs from ANI)

Congress president Rahul Gandhi reportedly told that he wanted to work for the party's ideology and not keen on any party post during Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, reported news agency ANI.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi reportedly told that he wanted to work for the party's ideology and not keen on any party post during Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, reported news agency ANI. The Congress president offered to quit as party president during CWC meeting but it was unanimously rejected. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, the Congress president reportedly said, "Mahatma Gandhi fought for ideology and for people, irrespective of their cast and religion, but never took any post", according to sources. He also accused senior party leaders of pressuring him to give tickets to their sons in the elections without naming Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and former finance minister P Chidambaram. Rajasthan chief minister Gehlot`s son Vaibhav Gehlot contested from Jodhpur parliamentary constituency and lost, while Kamal Nath`s son Nakul Nath has won from Chhindwara and P Chidambaram`s son Karti Chidambaram registered a victory from Sivaganga. When Jyotiraditya Scindia suggested that the party should consolidate leadership in specific regions, Gandhi, in a satirical tone, questioned him, "Is it necessary to consolidate leadership in a region so that chief ministers presser the party`s top brass to give tickets to their sons?" Gandhi also expressed displeasure over sluggishness of the party leaders in raising the Rafale deal issue, sources added. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised party leaders saying that her brother Rahul was left alone when he was criticizing the BJP on its policies. (With inputs from ANI)

Don't want any post, want to work for party's ideology: Rahul Gandhi told CWC

The Delhi Fire service is planning to conduct an audit of all coaching institutes running in the national capital from Monday to avert Surat-like fire tragedy in which at least 22 students died, officials said.&nbsp;

However, small coaching institutes, which are functioning in buildings below 15 metres, do not come directly under the fire department's jurisdiction, a senior official said.&nbsp;

"Small coaching institutes do not come directly under our jurisdiction, but still we will start from Monday inspections of coaching institutes which are functioning in buildings above 15 metres and facts will be checked whether they have applied for license and if not, notice will be issued against them," Delhi chief Fire officer Atul Garg said.&nbsp;

The process has been initiated and the department will issue a public notice soon and buildings which are found to be violating norms will be checked, a senior fire officer said.&nbsp;

It will take some time, but the department will not spare those who are found to be flouting the norms and appropriate action will be taken against them, the officer said.&nbsp;

"The fire department called a meeting on Saturday of all the senior officers to discuss the issue and the department is searching how to deal with small coaching institutes, and if required, we will approach the government as well," he said.&nbsp;

"The Delhi Fire Department is prepared for any <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-rises-to-22-in-surat-fire-221560">tragedy like Surat</a>. As far as preparedness is concerned, the department is ready to tackle any tragedy and Delhi is much safer," Garg said.&nbsp;

"On Thursday, the department rescued 30 people safely after a major fire broke out on the fifth floor of a building in Nehru Place here. No casualties were reported in the incident, he said.&nbsp;

A senior SDMC official, when contacted, said, "Municipal authorities are not authorised to issue fire licence for any building."&nbsp;

"Whether a building is large or small, we just clear building plans. The process to apply for plan clearance is online and applicants have to submit fire safety NOC within a stipulated time, otherwise the application is deemed incomplete and hence rejected," he said.&nbsp;

Earlier on Friday, a massive fire engulfed a four-storey commercial complex in Gujarat's Surat on Friday, killing at least 22 teenage students at a coaching centre, many of whom jumped and fell to their deaths while some were suffocated, officials said.

In a video clip of the incident, some young students at the Takshashila Complex in Sarthana area, where the building is located, can be seen jumping off the third and fourth floors amid plumes of thick smoke.&nbsp;

The Delhi Fire service is planning to conduct an audit of all coaching institutes running in the national capital from Monday to avert Surat-like fire tragedy in which at least 22 students died, officials said.

The Delhi Fire service is planning to conduct an audit of all coaching institutes running in the national capital from Monday to avert Surat-like fire tragedy in which at least 22 students died, officials said. However, small coaching institutes, which are functioning in buildings below 15 metres, do not come directly under the fire department's jurisdiction, a senior official said. "Small coaching institutes do not come directly under our jurisdiction, but still we will start from Monday inspections of coaching institutes which are functioning in buildings above 15 metres and facts will be checked whether they have applied for license and if not, notice will be issued against them," Delhi chief Fire officer Atul Garg said. The process has been initiated and the department will issue a public notice soon and buildings which are found to be violating norms will be checked, a senior fire officer said. It will take some time, but the department will not spare those who are found to be flouting the norms and appropriate action will be taken against them, the officer said. "The fire department called a meeting on Saturday of all the senior officers to discuss the issue and the department is searching how to deal with small coaching institutes, and if required, we will approach the government as well," he said. "The Delhi Fire Department is prepared for any tragedy like Surat. As far as preparedness is concerned, the department is ready to tackle any tragedy and Delhi is much safer," Garg said. "On Thursday, the department rescued 30 people safely after a major fire broke out on the fifth floor of a building in Nehru Place here. No casualties were reported in the incident, he said. A senior SDMC official, when contacted, said, "Municipal authorities are not authorised to issue fire licence for any building." "Whether a building is large or small, we just clear building plans. The process to apply for plan clearance is online and applicants have to submit fire safety NOC within a stipulated time, otherwise the application is deemed incomplete and hence rejected," he said. Earlier on Friday, a massive fire engulfed a four-storey commercial complex in Gujarat's Surat on Friday, killing at least 22 teenage students at a coaching centre, many of whom jumped and fell to their deaths while some were suffocated, officials said. In a video clip of the incident, some young students at the Takshashila Complex in Sarthana area, where the building is located, can be seen jumping off the third and fourth floors amid plumes of thick smoke.

Surat fire: Delhi Fire Department to conduct audit of coaching institutes

BJP President Amit Shah accompanies Modi in Ahmedabad. Watch this video to know more.

BJP President Amit Shah accompanies Modi in Ahmedabad

The Indian Air Force is planning to send a forensic team to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-question-of-fir-registration-or-cbi-probe-into-rafale-deal-centre-to-supreme-court-221786">Rafale</a> Project management team office last Sunday.

Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale Project management team office in France last Sunday night in a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans.

"A forensic team comprising cyber forensic experts in planned to be sent for the probe. In the initial investigations, it has emerged that no hard disk or files have been stolen," government sources told ANI.

They said the officers would find out if any soft copies were stolen or copied by the unidentified elements after they broke into the Rafale PMT office.

The Rafale project team is headed by a Group Captain-rank officer who looks after issues related to the 36 Rafale combat aircraft, including the production timelines and training of Indian personnel who have to be trained for maintenance and flying operations of the plane, which India is acquiring.

The Rafale team sits in a building complex in Saint Cloud suburb of Paris and the police there is investigating the case.

Sources said the main aim of the break-in could have been to steal data as valuables or money are not kept in these administrative offices.

The Indian Rafale team office is in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force is planning to send a forensic team to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its Rafale Project management team office last Sunday.

The Indian Air Force is planning to send a forensic team to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its Rafale Project management team office last Sunday. Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale Project management team office in France last Sunday night in a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans. "A forensic team comprising cyber forensic experts in planned to be sent for the probe. In the initial investigations, it has emerged that no hard disk or files have been stolen," government sources told ANI. They said the officers would find out if any soft copies were stolen or copied by the unidentified elements after they broke into the Rafale PMT office. The Rafale project team is headed by a Group Captain-rank officer who looks after issues related to the 36 Rafale combat aircraft, including the production timelines and training of Indian personnel who have to be trained for maintenance and flying operations of the plane, which India is acquiring. The Rafale team sits in a building complex in Saint Cloud suburb of Paris and the police there is investigating the case. Sources said the main aim of the break-in could have been to steal data as valuables or money are not kept in these administrative offices. The Indian Rafale team office is in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks.

IAF team to visit France to probe possible data theft during Rafale office break-in

Grand Welcome for Modi in Ahmedabad After Roadshow. Watch this video to know more.

Grand Welcome for Modi in Ahmedabad After Roadshow

A single bench of Justice Chandershekar will hear Enforcement Directorate's (ED) petition seeking to set aside trial court's order granting anticipatory bail to businessman Robert Vadra in connection with a money laundering case against him.

Meanwhile, the ED has also challenged the anticipatory bail granted to Manoj Arora, a close aide of Vadra, granted by the trial court, which is also scheduled for hearing on May 27 by the same judge, Justice Chandershekar.

The agency on Friday through its plea is pushing for custodial interrogation of Vadra, the son-in-law of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

The ED has claimed that Vadra is evasive during the investigation.

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Tripura: 22 NDRF teams have been deployed in Dharmanagar following heavy rainfall that led to flash flood in the area. State Admn says,"We're expecting to bring situation under control in next 24 hrs if it doesn't rain anymore.There are more than 350 ppl in 8 relief camps."(25.5) <a href="https://t.co/jfHNlIZYo0">pic.twitter.com/jfHNlIZYo0</a>
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"...In all likelihood, the respondent (Vadra) is likely to tamper with the evidence and the witness in the case. Special Judge has failed to appreciate that the respondent is a highly influential person. If he is granted blanket protection of bail, there is all likelihood that the respondent shall tamper with the evidence....and the petitioner is still investigating into the said aspects," the plea filed by the ED read.

The agency further claimed that anticipatory bail to both interferes in the investigation of the crime.

"It is right to say that anticipatory bail, to some extent intrudes in the sphere of investigation of crime and that the courts must be cautious and circumspect while exercising such powers of discriminatory nature..," the plea said.

In April, a special CBI court granted anticipatory bail to Vadra and his aide Manoj Arora. Special Judge Arvind Kumar while granting anticipatory bail to the duo directed them to furnish a personal bail bond of Rs&nbsp;5 lakh each and surety of like amount.

Furthermore, the court had imposed bail conditions on both of them, whereby the duo cannot leave the country without permission.

They will have to join the investigation when called upon by the authorities, the court stated.

The court had also ordered that the accused persons shall not tamper with evidence or influence the witnesses in the case.&nbsp;

A single bench of Justice Chandershekar will hear Enforcement Directorate's (ED) petition seeking to set aside trial court's order granting anticipatory bail to businessman Robert Vadra in connection with a money laundering case against him.

A single bench of Justice Chandershekar will hear Enforcement Directorate's (ED) petition seeking to set aside trial court's order granting anticipatory bail to businessman Robert Vadra in connection with a money laundering case against him. Meanwhile, the ED has also challenged the anticipatory bail granted to Manoj Arora, a close aide of Vadra, granted by the trial court, which is also scheduled for hearing on May 27 by the same judge, Justice Chandershekar. The agency on Friday through its plea is pushing for custodial interrogation of Vadra, the son-in-law of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. The ED has claimed that Vadra is evasive during the investigation. Tripura: 22 NDRF teams have been deployed in Dharmanagar following heavy rainfall that led to flash flood in the area. State Admn says,"We're expecting to bring situation under control in next 24 hrs if it doesn't rain anymore.There are more than 350 ppl in 8 relief camps."(25.5) pic.twitter.com/jfHNlIZYo0 — ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2019 × "...In all likelihood, the respondent (Vadra) is likely to tamper with the evidence and the witness in the case. Special Judge has failed to appreciate that the respondent is a highly influential person. If he is granted blanket protection of bail, there is all likelihood that the respondent shall tamper with the evidence....and the petitioner is still investigating into the said aspects," the plea filed by the ED read. The agency further claimed that anticipatory bail to both interferes in the investigation of the crime. "It is right to say that anticipatory bail, to some extent intrudes in the sphere of investigation of crime and that the courts must be cautious and circumspect while exercising such powers of discriminatory nature..," the plea said. In April, a special CBI court granted anticipatory bail to Vadra and his aide Manoj Arora. Special Judge Arvind Kumar while granting anticipatory bail to the duo directed them to furnish a personal bail bond of Rs 5 lakh each and surety of like amount. Furthermore, the court had imposed bail conditions on both of them, whereby the duo cannot leave the country without permission. They will have to join the investigation when called upon by the authorities, the court stated. The court had also ordered that the accused persons shall not tamper with evidence or influence the witnesses in the case.

Single bench of Justice Chandershekar to hear ED petition opposing anticipatory bail to Robert Vadra

Heavy rains leading to flash flood have left hundreds of houses submerged in North Tripura, Unakoti and Dhalai districts of Tripura.

More than 1000 families have reportedly been affected and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team is working hard to evacuate members of these families with their belongings to safer places.

The flood was mainly after the water level of river Juri and river Kakti started rising and came close to the danger level.

Around nine speed boats, 40 rescue boats, many of which brought from other areas, were deployed by the state revenue department to evacuate those stuck inside their homes in submerged places.

Apart from these, Tripura State Rifles (TSR), firefighter team, district and state administration have also joined the rescue operations.

According to the report of State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), 358 were rendered homeless in Unakoti district while 381 in North Tripura.

Meantime, a total of 1039 houses were damaged with Dhalai district the worst affected.

State administration arranged food, water and medicines for the flood victims and till now there is no report of any death.

Officials viewed that water is receding and if there are no showers during the next 24 hours the situation will get normal.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Heavy rains leading to flash flood have left hundreds of houses submerged in North Tripura, Unakoti and Dhalai districts of Tripura. More than 1000 families have reportedly been affected and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team is working hard to evacuate members of these families with their belongings to safer places.

Heavy rains leading to flash flood have left hundreds of houses submerged in North Tripura, Unakoti and Dhalai districts of Tripura. More than 1000 families have reportedly been affected and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team is working hard to evacuate members of these families with their belongings to safer places. The flood was mainly after the water level of river Juri and river Kakti started rising and came close to the danger level. Around nine speed boats, 40 rescue boats, many of which brought from other areas, were deployed by the state revenue department to evacuate those stuck inside their homes in submerged places. Apart from these, Tripura State Rifles (TSR), firefighter team, district and state administration have also joined the rescue operations. According to the report of State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), 358 were rendered homeless in Unakoti district while 381 in North Tripura. Meantime, a total of 1039 houses were damaged with Dhalai district the worst affected. State administration arranged food, water and medicines for the flood victims and till now there is no report of any death. Officials viewed that water is receding and if there are no showers during the next 24 hours the situation will get normal.

Flash flood hits Tripura, many homeless

Modi's first massive roadshow underway in Ahmedabad after victory. Watch this video to know more.

Modi's massive roadshow underway in Ahmedabad

First visit of PM Modi to Gujarat after victory. He pays tribute to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. Watch this video to know more.

PM Elect Modi pays tribute to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-imran-khan-speaks-to-pm-modi-expresses-desire-to-work-together-foreign-office-221781">Create an 'environment free of terrorism', says Modi to Pakistan PM Imran Khan</a>

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday called PM Narendra Modi to congratulate him on his re-election in the landslide victory last week during which the latter called for creating an "environment free of terrorism." &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-to-take-oath-as-pm-on-may-30-221788">Narendra Modi to be sworn in as Prime Minister on May 30 at 7pm</a>

The swearing-in ceremony of the new government is scheduled to take place on May 30 when Narendra Modi along with the Members of Union Council of Ministers will take the oath.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaganmohan-reddy-meets-pm-modi-discusses-special-status-for-andhra-pradesh-221763">Situation would have been different had BJP won just 250 seats, says Jagan Reddy after meeting Modi</a>

''Situation would have been different had the BJP won just 250 seats, we would have then supported the BJP only after they signed the Special Category Status (SCS) document,'' said YSR Congress Party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister-designate Y S Jaganmohan Reddy on Sunday after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-defend-itself-against-any-aggression-says-foreign-minister-221768">Iran will defend itself against any military or economic aggression, says foreign minister Javad Zarif</a>

Iranian will defend itself against any military or economic aggression, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday, calling on European states to do more to preserve a nuclear agreement his country signed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modis-first-foreign-visit-in-second-term-will-be-to-maldives-221777">Modi picks Maldives for first foreign visit in second term</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first foreign visit to the Maldives after assuming office for his second term, according to Maldivian media Raajje.

"Modi is expected to visit the Maldives from 7 to 8 June," the report added.&nbsp;

Create an 'environment free of terrorism', says Modi to Pakistan PM Imran Khan Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday called PM Narendra Modi to congratulate him on his re-election in the landslide victory last week during which the latter called for creating an "environment free of terrorism.

Create an 'environment free of terrorism', says Modi to Pakistan PM Imran Khan Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday called PM Narendra Modi to congratulate him on his re-election in the landslide victory last week during which the latter called for creating an "environment free of terrorism." Narendra Modi to be sworn in as Prime Minister on May 30 at 7pm The swearing-in ceremony of the new government is scheduled to take place on May 30 when Narendra Modi along with the Members of Union Council of Ministers will take the oath. Situation would have been different had BJP won just 250 seats, says Jagan Reddy after meeting Modi ''Situation would have been different had the BJP won just 250 seats, we would have then supported the BJP only after they signed the Special Category Status (SCS) document,'' said YSR Congress Party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister-designate Y S Jaganmohan Reddy on Sunday after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Iran will defend itself against any military or economic aggression, says foreign minister Javad Zarif Iranian will defend itself against any military or economic aggression, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday, calling on European states to do more to preserve a nuclear agreement his country signed. Modi picks Maldives for first foreign visit in second term Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first foreign visit to the Maldives after assuming office for his second term, according to Maldivian media Raajje. "Modi is expected to visit the Maldives from 7 to 8 June," the report added.

Andhra CM Elect Jagan Mohan Reddy Meets PM Elect Modi. Discusses about further projects for future. Ressy also invited Modi for his swearing-in ceremony as Andhra new CM. Watch this video for further details.

Andhra CM Elect Jagan Mohan Reddy Meets PM Elect Modi

PM Elect Modi has reached Ahmedabad, He is going to seek mother's blessing soon. Watch this video to know more.

PM Elect Modi reaches Ahmedabad, to seek mother's blessings soon

Smriti Irani, who defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi Lok Sabha constituency on Sunday said that she will even go to Supreme Court to get death sentence to the killers of her aide and former village head of Barauli in Amethi district,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-village-head-and-smriti-iranis-close-aide-shot-dead-in-amethi-221655">Surendra Singh</a>.&nbsp;

Singh was allegedly shot dead by two unidentified men in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district on Saturday.&nbsp;

''I've taken an oath before Surendra Singh ji's family that one who fired and the one who ordered it, even if I have to go Supreme Court to get the culprits a death sentence, we will knock the doors of the court,'' she was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

According to reports, suspects have been detained.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> BJP MP from Amethi, Smriti Irani lends a shoulder to mortal remains of Surendra Singh, ex-village head of Barauli, Amethi, who was shot dead last night. <a href="https://t.co/jQWV9s2ZwY">pic.twitter.com/jQWV9s2ZwY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1132594095334076416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The police are looking into all aspects of the killing, including political rivalry.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh DGP, OP Singh said that an intensive investigation is underway.&nbsp;

"We've found vital clues. 7 people detained for questioning. We're confident of solving the case in the next 12 hours. 3 companies of PAC are deputed," Singh added.

Smriti Irani, who defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi Lok Sabha constituency on Sunday said that she will even go to Supreme Court to get death sentence to the killers of her aide and former village head of Barauli in Amethi district, Surendra Singh.

Smriti Irani, who defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi Lok Sabha constituency on Sunday said that she will even go to Supreme Court to get death sentence to the killers of her aide and former village head of Barauli in Amethi district, Surendra Singh. Singh was allegedly shot dead by two unidentified men in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district on Saturday. ''I've taken an oath before Surendra Singh ji's family that one who fired and the one who ordered it, even if I have to go Supreme Court to get the culprits a death sentence, we will knock the doors of the court,'' she was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. According to reports, suspects have been detained. #WATCH BJP MP from Amethi, Smriti Irani lends a shoulder to mortal remains of Surendra Singh, ex-village head of Barauli, Amethi, who was shot dead last night. pic.twitter.com/jQWV9s2ZwY — ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2019 × The police are looking into all aspects of the killing, including political rivalry. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh DGP, OP Singh said that an intensive investigation is underway. "We've found vital clues. 7 people detained for questioning. We're confident of solving the case in the next 12 hours. 3 companies of PAC are deputed," Singh added.

Smriti Irani says she will knock Superme Court's door to get death sentence to Surendra Singh's killers 

PM Elect Modi To Sworn-in On May 30. Watch this video for further details.

PM Elect Modi To Sworn-in On May 30

After scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, a 20-year-old man from Ibrahimpatnam village in Telangana's Ranga Reddy district has now reached the peak of Mount Everest.

While his financial condition was not good, Amogh Tukaram was interested in climbing mountains since he was 17 years old and hence took financial assistance from few Telangana officials and went ahead to climb Mount Everest.

He reached the peak of Mount Everest on May 22 at 9.15 am.

Speaking to ANI over the phone, Tukaram said, "My aim is to climb seven highest peaks in seven continents and as part of this, I have already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and now on May 22 I reached the peak of Mount Everest. I just want to make my nation proud. My financial condition was not good, so I have taken financial assistance from few officials like Rachakonda Police Commissioner Mahesh Bhagwat, Telangana Tourism Commissioner Sunita Bhagwat IFS, Ramchandru Tejavat Advisor to Telangana government and others and I have finally made it."

He added, "I started my journey on April 6 and two of my team members died in front of me due to bad weather, but it didn`t stop me from climbing Mount Everest. I am very happy that I have reached the peak safely and made my nation proud."

Mahesh Bhagwat, Rachakonda Police Commissioner congratulated Tukaram for his achievement and said, "I have faith in him and that was the reason we have extended financial assistance to him."

After scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, a 20-year-old man from Ibrahimpatnam village in Telangana's Ranga Reddy district has now reached the peak of Mount Everest. While his financial condition was not good, Amogh Tukaram was interested in climbing mountains since he was 17 years old and hence took financial assistance from few Telangana officials and went ahead to climb Mount Everest.

After scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, a 20-year-old man from Ibrahimpatnam village in Telangana's Ranga Reddy district has now reached the peak of Mount Everest. While his financial condition was not good, Amogh Tukaram was interested in climbing mountains since he was 17 years old and hence took financial assistance from few Telangana officials and went ahead to climb Mount Everest. He reached the peak of Mount Everest on May 22 at 9.15 am. Speaking to ANI over the phone, Tukaram said, "My aim is to climb seven highest peaks in seven continents and as part of this, I have already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and now on May 22 I reached the peak of Mount Everest. I just want to make my nation proud. My financial condition was not good, so I have taken financial assistance from few officials like Rachakonda Police Commissioner Mahesh Bhagwat, Telangana Tourism Commissioner Sunita Bhagwat IFS, Ramchandru Tejavat Advisor to Telangana government and others and I have finally made it." He added, "I started my journey on April 6 and two of my team members died in front of me due to bad weather, but it didn`t stop me from climbing Mount Everest. I am very happy that I have reached the peak safely and made my nation proud." Mahesh Bhagwat, Rachakonda Police Commissioner congratulated Tukaram for his achievement and said, "I have faith in him and that was the reason we have extended financial assistance to him."

20-year-old Telangana man scales Mount Everest

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first foreign visit to the Maldives after assuming office for his second term, according to Maldivian media Raajje.

"Modi is expected to visit the Maldives from 7 to 8 June," the report added.&nbsp;

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had called PM Modi on May 23 to congratulate him on his re-election.

During his first tenure in 2014, Narendra Modi's first foreign visit was to Bhutan.

There have been a number of high-level visits between the two countries since the new government of President Solih took over in November 2018.&nbsp;

Modi was also present during the swearing-in ceremony of President Solih in November 2018. This was followed by visits of Maldivian Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid and President Solih.

India announced 100 million Maldivian rufiyaa grant aid to the country during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit in March.

Last week, Maldives had announced about two Indian projects to be launched as part of grants in the country.

The projects included Police Academy in Dhaalu Atoll and Convention Centre in Ukulhas, Alif Alif Atoll. The total cost of both the projects will be 14.8 million Maldivian rufiyaa or 960,000 US dollar.

The Maldives is a key country in the Indian Ocean region and lies in the heart of busy shipping lanes connecting Africa with Asia. The previous administration under President Yameen so "India first" policy being replaced by a pro-china policy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have seven scheduled foreign visits in the next seven months--these are Maldives, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, France, Russia, Thailand and Brazil. The visits will see him interact with global leaders and see a consolidation of his foreign policy actions and gains from his first term.

He will visit Kyrgyzstan for SCO Summit, Japan for G20 summit, France for G7 summit, Russia for Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), Thailand for East Asia Summit and Brazil for BRICS summit. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first foreign visit to the Maldives after assuming office for his second term, according to Maldivian media Raajje. "Modi is expected to visit the Maldives from 7 to 8 June," the report added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first foreign visit to the Maldives after assuming office for his second term, according to Maldivian media Raajje. "Modi is expected to visit the Maldives from 7 to 8 June," the report added. Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had called PM Modi on May 23 to congratulate him on his re-election. During his first tenure in 2014, Narendra Modi's first foreign visit was to Bhutan. There have been a number of high-level visits between the two countries since the new government of President Solih took over in November 2018. Modi was also present during the swearing-in ceremony of President Solih in November 2018. This was followed by visits of Maldivian Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid and President Solih. India announced 100 million Maldivian rufiyaa grant aid to the country during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit in March. Last week, Maldives had announced about two Indian projects to be launched as part of grants in the country. The projects included Police Academy in Dhaalu Atoll and Convention Centre in Ukulhas, Alif Alif Atoll. The total cost of both the projects will be 14.8 million Maldivian rufiyaa or 960,000 US dollar. The Maldives is a key country in the Indian Ocean region and lies in the heart of busy shipping lanes connecting Africa with Asia. The previous administration under President Yameen so "India first" policy being replaced by a pro-china policy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have seven scheduled foreign visits in the next seven months--these are Maldives, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, France, Russia, Thailand and Brazil. The visits will see him interact with global leaders and see a consolidation of his foreign policy actions and gains from his first term. He will visit Kyrgyzstan for SCO Summit, Japan for G20 summit, France for G7 summit, Russia for Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), Thailand for East Asia Summit and Brazil for BRICS summit.

Modi picks Maldives for first foreign visit in second term

The Centre has told the Supreme Court that there was no question of either registration of an FIR or investigation by CBI in the Rafale fighter jets deal as the apex court had already concluded that there was no reason for intervention by it on the "sensitive issue".

The Centre, which sought dismissal of petitions seeking review of the December 14 last year verdict which gave a clean chit to the government on procurement of 36 fighter jets from French firm Dassault, said CAG report "belied" the main arguments of petitioners regarding alleged "exorbitant price" of the jets.

In its 39-page written submissions filed in the top court, the Centre has said that petitioners and former union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and activist advocate Prashant Bhushan have not made out any ground which would justify review of the "well reasoned" December 14 judgement last year.

"Especially, once this court had come to the conclusion that on all the three aspects i.e, the decision making process, pricing and Indian offset partner, there is no reason for intervention by this court on the sensitive issue of purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircrafts by the Indian Government, there is no question of either registration of FIR much less any investigation by the CBI," the government said.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had on May 10 reserved its verdict on the pleas seeking review of the December 14 judgement in the Rafale case.

The apex court, in its December 14 verdict, had said there was no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the procurement of 36 Rafale jets and dismissed the petitions seeking an investigation into alleged irregularities in the Rs 58,000 crore deal.

Besides Sinha, Shourie and Bhushan, review petitions have also been filed by AAP lawmaker Sanjay Singh and lawyer Vineet Dhandha.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

In its written submissions, the Centre has said in the garb of seeking review of the verdict and placing reliance on "some press reports and some incomplete internal file noting(s), copies of which were obtained unauthorisedly and illegally", the petitioners cannot seek to re-open the whole matter since scope of review petition is extremely limited.&nbsp;

"The review petition, it is therefore, submitted is an attempt to get a fishing and roving enquiry ordered, which this court has specifically declined to go into based on perceptions of individuals," it said.

The Centre also said the petitioners have not disclosed any new evidence in the review petition "except that they have now based their case on some unauthorisedly accessed documents copied from the secret files of the Ministry of Defence."

It said files and documents were made available to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) who took about two years to complete its study and finalise its report.&nbsp;

"The report of the CAG does not support the main argument of petitioners which has been perpetually repeated before this court that the cost of each aircraft under 36 Rafale contract is Rs 1,000 crore higher than what it would have been under the MMRCA bid," the Centre said.

"The basic price of the aircraft has been informed to the Parliament as approximately Rs 670 crore at prevailing exchange rate of November 2016; without associated equipments, weapons, India Specific Enhancements, maintenance support and services," it said.

It also said for the overall aircraft package, "the CAG has held that the contract was concluded at a price which is 2.86 per cent lower than the audit aligned price."

The government reiterated that it has no role in the selection of Indian offset partner which is a commercial decision of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).&nbsp;&nbsp;It said monitoring of progress in the government to government process by Prime Minister Office (PMO) cannot be construed as interference or parallel negotiations.

Regarding the petitioners' claim that government had suppressed and concealed material facts from the apex court, the Centre said these allegations are devoid of merit.

"It is submitted that the IGA for 36 Rafale procurement is between the two sovereign nations and the implementation of the project which is on schedule is being closely monitored by both the Governments. The adequate safeguards are built into IGA for ensuring smooth implementation of the project," it said.

"The training of Indian Air Force personnel is underway in France. Any attempt to bring this procurement under cloud may result into delay in implementation of the project and would affect the operational preparedness of Indian Air Force," the Centre said.

Sinha, Shourie and Bhushan had earlier alleged in the apex court that the Centre "wilfully and deliberately" misled the court in the Rafale fighter jet case and this amounted to "wholesale fraud".

On the scope of judicial review, they had said apex court has consistently held that where the allegation is of corruption, procedural violations and mala fide decision making, the court will be well within its right to exercise the jurisdiction.

The Centre has told the Supreme Court that there was no question of either registration of an FIR or investigation by CBI in the Rafale fighter jets deal as the apex court had already concluded that there was no reason for intervention by it on the "sensitive issue".

The Centre has told the Supreme Court that there was no question of either registration of an FIR or investigation by CBI in the Rafale fighter jets deal as the apex court had already concluded that there was no reason for intervention by it on the "sensitive issue". The Centre, which sought dismissal of petitions seeking review of the December 14 last year verdict which gave a clean chit to the government on procurement of 36 fighter jets from French firm Dassault, said CAG report "belied" the main arguments of petitioners regarding alleged "exorbitant price" of the jets. In its 39-page written submissions filed in the top court, the Centre has said that petitioners and former union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and activist advocate Prashant Bhushan have not made out any ground which would justify review of the "well reasoned" December 14 judgement last year. "Especially, once this court had come to the conclusion that on all the three aspects i.e, the decision making process, pricing and Indian offset partner, there is no reason for intervention by this court on the sensitive issue of purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircrafts by the Indian Government, there is no question of either registration of FIR much less any investigation by the CBI," the government said. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had on May 10 reserved its verdict on the pleas seeking review of the December 14 judgement in the Rafale case. The apex court, in its December 14 verdict, had said there was no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the procurement of 36 Rafale jets and dismissed the petitions seeking an investigation into alleged irregularities in the Rs 58,000 crore deal. Besides Sinha, Shourie and Bhushan, review petitions have also been filed by AAP lawmaker Sanjay Singh and lawyer Vineet Dhandha. In its written submissions, the Centre has said in the garb of seeking review of the verdict and placing reliance on "some press reports and some incomplete internal file noting(s), copies of which were obtained unauthorisedly and illegally", the petitioners cannot seek to re-open the whole matter since scope of review petition is extremely limited. "The review petition, it is therefore, submitted is an attempt to get a fishing and roving enquiry ordered, which this court has specifically declined to go into based on perceptions of individuals," it said. The Centre also said the petitioners have not disclosed any new evidence in the review petition "except that they have now based their case on some unauthorisedly accessed documents copied from the secret files of the Ministry of Defence." It said files and documents were made available to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) who took about two years to complete its study and finalise its report. "The report of the CAG does not support the main argument of petitioners which has been perpetually repeated before this court that the cost of each aircraft under 36 Rafale contract is Rs 1,000 crore higher than what it would have been under the MMRCA bid," the Centre said. "The basic price of the aircraft has been informed to the Parliament as approximately Rs 670 crore at prevailing exchange rate of November 2016; without associated equipments, weapons, India Specific Enhancements, maintenance support and services," it said. It also said for the overall aircraft package, "the CAG has held that the contract was concluded at a price which is 2.86 per cent lower than the audit aligned price." The government reiterated that it has no role in the selection of Indian offset partner which is a commercial decision of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). It said monitoring of progress in the government to government process by Prime Minister Office (PMO) cannot be construed as interference or parallel negotiations. Regarding the petitioners' claim that government had suppressed and concealed material facts from the apex court, the Centre said these allegations are devoid of merit. "It is submitted that the IGA for 36 Rafale procurement is between the two sovereign nations and the implementation of the project which is on schedule is being closely monitored by both the Governments. The adequate safeguards are built into IGA for ensuring smooth implementation of the project," it said. "The training of Indian Air Force personnel is underway in France. Any attempt to bring this procurement under cloud may result into delay in implementation of the project and would affect the operational preparedness of Indian Air Force," the Centre said. Sinha, Shourie and Bhushan had earlier alleged in the apex court that the Centre "wilfully and deliberately" misled the court in the Rafale fighter jet case and this amounted to "wholesale fraud". On the scope of judicial review, they had said apex court has consistently held that where the allegation is of corruption, procedural violations and mala fide decision making, the court will be well within its right to exercise the jurisdiction.

No question of FIR registration or CBI probe into Rafale deal: Centre to Supreme Court

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Saradha Case: CBI sleuths in Kolkata to arrest Ex. Pol. Commissioner Rajeev Kumar

PM Modi meets his mother in Gandhi Nagar

Pm Modi Addresses Gathering At Ahmedabad Today

Switzerland steps up process to share banking information; 11 Indians get notices in a day

News brief: Big stories of the day

Rahul adamant on resignation, wants a non-Gandhi as next Congress president

PM Modi to visit Gujarat today to seek mother's blessings

NDA unanimously chooses Modi as Prime Minister

Kerala coast on high alert after IS boat reportedly sets off from Sri Lanka

Don't want any post, want to work for party's ideology: Rahul Gandhi told CWC

Surat fire: Delhi Fire Department to conduct audit of coaching institutes

BJP President Amit Shah accompanies Modi in Ahmedabad

IAF team to visit France to probe possible data theft during Rafale office break-in

Grand Welcome for Modi in Ahmedabad After Roadshow

Single bench of Justice Chandershekar to hear ED petition opposing anticipatory bail to Robert Vadra

Flash flood hits Tripura, many homeless

Modi's massive roadshow underway in Ahmedabad

PM Elect Modi pays tribute to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel

News brief: Big stories of the day

Andhra CM Elect Jagan Mohan Reddy Meets PM Elect Modi

PM Elect Modi reaches Ahmedabad, to seek mother's blessings soon

Smriti Irani says she will knock Superme Court's door to get death sentence to Surendra Singh's killers

PM Elect Modi To Sworn-in On May 30

20-year-old Telangana man scales Mount Everest

Modi picks Maldives for first foreign visit in second term

No question of FIR registration or CBI probe into Rafale deal: Centre to Supreme Court