Tension escalated between India and Pakistan on Wednesday after India shot down a Pakistan Air Force's F-16 fighter jet in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector.

The fighter jet was one of the three planes that violated Indian airspace and reached Nowshera today morning. 

The Pakistani planes were pushed back by Indian fighter jets which were patrolling the area, a top official said.

The Pakistani jets dropped bombs while retreating. No immediate report on casualties is available. 

Live: IAF publicly present evidences to prove that Pakistan used F-16 jets

With 'Operation Balakot', &nbsp;India hit Pakistan inside its territory, not just in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) which required a lot of political courage, foresight and thinking, said Tilak Devasher, a former bureaucrat.&nbsp;

By undertaking an operation like this India had sent a strong message to Pakistan that ''We will not accept terrorism anymore'',&nbsp;Devasher added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

India hit Pakistan where it hurts the most and definitely crossed the Rubicon, he added.

Devasher feels that 'Operation Balakot' is a very significant and fundamental change in the dynamics of Indo-Pak relations.

''We have broken the shackles of restraint which we had put on ourselves for several decades,'' he added.&nbsp;

The reaction from the global community has also been very encouraging and they have accepted that this kind of counter-terrorism measure which every nation has the right to resort to when attacked by terrorists, he said.&nbsp;

With 'Operation Balakot', India hit Pakistan inside its territory, not just in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) which required a lot of political courage, foresight and thinking, said Tilak Devasher, a former bureaucrat.

With 'Operation Balakot', India hit Pakistan inside its territory, not just in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) which required a lot of political courage, foresight and thinking, said Tilak Devasher, a former bureaucrat. By undertaking an operation like this India had sent a strong message to Pakistan that ''We will not accept terrorism anymore'', Devasher added. India hit Pakistan where it hurts the most and definitely crossed the Rubicon, he added. Devasher feels that 'Operation Balakot' is a very significant and fundamental change in the dynamics of Indo-Pak relations. ''We have broken the shackles of restraint which we had put on ourselves for several decades,'' he added. The reaction from the global community has also been very encouraging and they have accepted that this kind of counter-terrorism measure which every nation has the right to resort to when attacked by terrorists, he said.

With 'Operation Balakot', India has crossed the Rubicon: Former bureaucrat  

Separatist group Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir were banned Thursday under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for alleged anti-national and subversive activities, officials said.

A notification on the ban was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after a high-level meeting on security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The separatist group is alleged to be involved in anti-national and subversive activities in the country and is in close touch with militant outfits.

Security forces launched a crackdown on separatist forces and arrested many leaders and cadres of the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir after the February 14 terrorist attack in Pulwama, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Separatist group Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir were banned Thursday under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for alleged anti-national and subversive activities, officials said.

Separatist group Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir were banned Thursday under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for alleged anti-national and subversive activities, officials said. A notification on the ban was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after a high-level meeting on security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The separatist group is alleged to be involved in anti-national and subversive activities in the country and is in close touch with militant outfits. Security forces launched a crackdown on separatist forces and arrested many leaders and cadres of the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir after the February 14 terrorist attack in Pulwama, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Government imposes ban on Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir

Ghost of Kandahar: How Masood Azhar's release keeps haunting India

Delhi high court on Thursday dismissed a National Herald publisher AJL's plea challenging an order to evict its premises in Delhi.

A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao rejected the appeal of Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) in which it had challenged the Centre's decision asking it to vacate the ITO premises, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;

The AJL had appealed against the single judge's December 21, 2018 order that directed it to vacate the premises at ITO within two weeks, after which eviction proceedings under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, would be initiated.

However, the court has not clarified on the timing of eviction the Herald building.

Delhi high court on Thursday dismissed a National Herald publisher AJL's plea challenging an order to evict its premises in Delhi. A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao rejected the appeal of Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) in which it had challenged the Centre's decision asking it to vacate the ITO premises, reported news agency PTI.

Delhi high court on Thursday dismissed a National Herald publisher AJL's plea challenging an order to evict its premises in Delhi. A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao rejected the appeal of Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) in which it had challenged the Centre's decision asking it to vacate the ITO premises, reported news agency PTI. The AJL had appealed against the single judge's December 21, 2018 order that directed it to vacate the premises at ITO within two weeks, after which eviction proceedings under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, would be initiated. However, the court has not clarified on the timing of eviction the Herald building.

Delhi high court upholds eviction of Associated Journals Limited from Herald House

Air Vice Marshal Ravi Kapoor on Thursday in a<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/india-news/one-pakistani-f-16-was-shot-down-by-mig-21-bison-says-air-vice-marshal-kapoor-during-armed-forces-joint-press-conference-200333"> joint press conference</a> confirmed that <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/south-asia/as-a-peace-gesture-we-are-releasing-captured-pilot-tomorrow-pm-imran-khan-200295">India’s MiG-21 </a>Bison shot down a Pakistani F-16.

He also displayed an <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-presents-evidence-of-aaram-missile-fired-from-pakistani-f-16-aircraft-200341">AMRAAM missile </a>casing used by F-16 as material evidence of their involvement. Electronic signatures and photographs were also recorded as further proof of the US made aircraft’s involvement.

Parts of AMRAAM, an air to air missile which is carried only on the Pakistani F-16s, was recovered east of Rajouri within the Indian territory.

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Visuals of cover of AARAM missile fired from Pakistani F-16 aircraft found near the LoC in India <a href="https://t.co/qHdOm5cDqN">pic.twitter.com/qHdOm5cDqN</a>
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Here is all you need to know about AMRAAM:&nbsp;

The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a modern American beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) capable of all-weather day-and-night operations.&nbsp;

Procured by 37 countries including the US, the combat-proven AMRAAM missile has been integrated onto the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, Typhoon, Gripen, Tornado and Harrier.&nbsp;

The AIM-120C5 and AIM-120C7 missiles are fully integrated onto the F-35 and support the US Marine Corp’s F-35B initial operational capability as the only air-to-air missile qualified on the F-35.

Designed with a 7-inch (180mm) diameter form-and-fit factor, and employing active transmit-receive radar guidance instead of semi-active receive-only radar guidance, it has the advantage of being a fire-and-forget weapon when compared to the previous generation Sparrow missiles.&nbsp;

The AMRAAM is the world's most popular beyond-visual-range missile, and more than 14,000 have been produced for the United States Air Force, the United States Navy, and 33 international customers. The AMRAAM has been used in several engagements and is credited with ten air-to-air kills.

In early 2006, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) ordered 500 AIM-120C-5 AMRAAM missiles as part of a $650 million F-16 ammunition deal to equip its F-16C/D Block 50/52+ and F-16A/B Block 15 MLU fighters.&nbsp;

The PAF got the first three F-16C/D Block 50/52+ aircraft on July 3, 2010, and the first batch of AMRAAMs on July 26, 2010.

Air Vice Marshal Ravi Kapoor on Thursday in a joint press conference confirmed that India’s MiG-21 Bison shot down a Pakistani F-16. He also displayed an AMRAAM missile casing used by F-16 as material evidence of their involvement.

Air Vice Marshal Ravi Kapoor on Thursday in a joint press conference confirmed that India’s MiG-21 Bison shot down a Pakistani F-16. He also displayed an AMRAAM missile casing used by F-16 as material evidence of their involvement. Electronic signatures and photographs were also recorded as further proof of the US made aircraft’s involvement. Parts of AMRAAM, an air to air missile which is carried only on the Pakistani F-16s, was recovered east of Rajouri within the Indian territory. Visuals of cover of AARAM missile fired from Pakistani F-16 aircraft found near the LoC in India pic.twitter.com/qHdOm5cDqN — ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2019 × Here is all you need to know about AMRAAM: The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a modern American beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) capable of all-weather day-and-night operations. Procured by 37 countries including the US, the combat-proven AMRAAM missile has been integrated onto the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, Typhoon, Gripen, Tornado and Harrier. The AIM-120C5 and AIM-120C7 missiles are fully integrated onto the F-35 and support the US Marine Corp’s F-35B initial operational capability as the only air-to-air missile qualified on the F-35. Designed with a 7-inch (180mm) diameter form-and-fit factor, and employing active transmit-receive radar guidance instead of semi-active receive-only radar guidance, it has the advantage of being a fire-and-forget weapon when compared to the previous generation Sparrow missiles. The AMRAAM is the world's most popular beyond-visual-range missile, and more than 14,000 have been produced for the United States Air Force, the United States Navy, and 33 international customers. The AMRAAM has been used in several engagements and is credited with ten air-to-air kills. In early 2006, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) ordered 500 AIM-120C-5 AMRAAM missiles as part of a $650 million F-16 ammunition deal to equip its F-16C/D Block 50/52+ and F-16A/B Block 15 MLU fighters. The PAF got the first three F-16C/D Block 50/52+ aircraft on July 3, 2010, and the first batch of AMRAAMs on July 26, 2010.

What is AMRAAM missile and why it's an important evidence against Pakistan

Russia President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi over phone today. The Russian president expressed his deep <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-a-peace-gesture-we-are-releasing-captured-pilot-tomorrow-pm-imran-khan-200295">condolences over&nbsp;the Pulwama </a>terrorist attack. Putin also conveyed solidarity of the people of the Russian Federation with the people of India in the fight against terrorism.

PM Modi thanked President Putin for his steadfast support for India's efforts to protect its interests against cross-border terror attacks and renewed India's commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation in countering terrorism. PM Modi told Putin that Russia was as a pillar of special and strategic partnership.

Both the leaders also agreed that the growing cooperation between the two countries will take their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership from strength to strength.

President Putin reiterated the invitation to PM Modi to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok later this year. PM welcomed the invitation and underscored the significance of growing economic cooperation, including in the Russian Far East.

Russia President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi over phone today. The Russian president expressed his deep condolences over the Pulwama terrorist attack.

Russia President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi over phone today. The Russian president expressed his deep condolences over the Pulwama terrorist attack. Putin also conveyed solidarity of the people of the Russian Federation with the people of India in the fight against terrorism. PM Modi thanked President Putin for his steadfast support for India's efforts to protect its interests against cross-border terror attacks and renewed India's commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation in countering terrorism. PM Modi told Putin that Russia was as a pillar of special and strategic partnership. Both the leaders also agreed that the growing cooperation between the two countries will take their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership from strength to strength. President Putin reiterated the invitation to PM Modi to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok later this year. PM welcomed the invitation and underscored the significance of growing economic cooperation, including in the Russian Far East.

President Putin calls PM Modi, expresses condolences over Pulwama attack

Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday addressed a joint press conference on key decisions taken by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this evening.&nbsp;

The Centre has taken a decision to approve 10 per cent quota for the general category poor.

The government also gave its nod to the promulgation of an ordinance for giving reservation benefits to SCs and STs in Jammu and Kashmir by amending a clause of the contentious Article 370, which gives special status to the state.

Both the decisions were taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said.

"It will serve the purpose of application of relevant provisions of the Constitution of India, as amended through the Constitution (Seventy-Seventh Amendment) Act, 1995 and Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Act, 2019 for Jammu and Kashmir, by issuing the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Amendment Order, 2019 by the President under clause (1) of Article 370," he said.

The ordinance will have to be promulgated by the President.

(With inputs from PTI)

Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday addressed a joint press conference on key decisions taken by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this evening.

Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday addressed a joint press conference on key decisions taken by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this evening. The Centre has taken a decision to approve 10 per cent quota for the general category poor. The government also gave its nod to the promulgation of an ordinance for giving reservation benefits to SCs and STs in Jammu and Kashmir by amending a clause of the contentious Article 370, which gives special status to the state. Both the decisions were taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said. "It will serve the purpose of application of relevant provisions of the Constitution of India, as amended through the Constitution (Seventy-Seventh Amendment) Act, 1995 and Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Act, 2019 for Jammu and Kashmir, by issuing the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Amendment Order, 2019 by the President under clause (1) of Article 370," he said. The ordinance will have to be promulgated by the President. (With inputs from PTI)

Union Cabinet approves Constitution amendment to pave way for 10% quota to EWS in J&K

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday suggested that India is capable of carrying out an operation similar to the 2011 US action in Pakistan to eliminate Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.

His remarks at an event related to the campaign to clean River Ganga came a day after the Indian Air Force pounded the main terror camp of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-france-ask-un-to-blacklist-jem-leader-masood-azhar-move-is-likely-to-be-opposed-by-china-200140">Jaish-e-Mohammed terror outfit </a>in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

Referring to the US operation in Abbottabad, Jaitley said, "It is said that a week is too long a time in politics. In our country the way people get enthusiastic, if you look at the last 24 hours, one week would appear to be a day.&nbsp;

"The kind of things we see...I remember when the US Navy SEAL had taken Osama bin Laden from Abbottabad, can't we do the same?"

"We could earlier only imagine, desire and get frustrated and disappointed (for failing to conduct such operations). But today, it is possible," he said at the event dedicated to generating funds to clean river Ganga.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Water Resources and Ganga Rejuvenation at DRDO. Jaitley contributed Rs one lakh in his personal capacity for the programme to clean the river.&nbsp;

The US' special forces had raided Osama's hideaway, a compound in Abbottabad in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa north of Islamabad, killing the dreaded terrorist.&nbsp;

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday suggested that India is capable of carrying out an operation similar to the 2011 US action in Pakistan to eliminate Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday suggested that India is capable of carrying out an operation similar to the 2011 US action in Pakistan to eliminate Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden. His remarks at an event related to the campaign to clean River Ganga came a day after the Indian Air Force pounded the main terror camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed terror outfit in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. Referring to the US operation in Abbottabad, Jaitley said, "It is said that a week is too long a time in politics. In our country the way people get enthusiastic, if you look at the last 24 hours, one week would appear to be a day. "The kind of things we see...I remember when the US Navy SEAL had taken Osama bin Laden from Abbottabad, can't we do the same?" "We could earlier only imagine, desire and get frustrated and disappointed (for failing to conduct such operations). But today, it is possible," he said at the event dedicated to generating funds to clean river Ganga. The event was organised by the Ministry of Water Resources and Ganga Rejuvenation at DRDO. Jaitley contributed Rs one lakh in his personal capacity for the programme to clean the river. The US' special forces had raided Osama's hideaway, a compound in Abbottabad in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa north of Islamabad, killing the dreaded terrorist.

India too capable of operation similar to US action against Osama in Abbottabad: Arun Jaitley

Railways has cancelled the operations of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-suspends-samjhauta-express-train-service-200175">Indo-Pak Samjhauta Express </a>on its side from Thursday, which senior officials said was due to "purely operational reasons" as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-pakistani-f-16-was-shot-down-by-mig-21-bison-says-air-vice-marshal-kapoor-during-armed-forces-joint-press-conference-200333">Pakistan </a>had suspended services from across the border.

A notification in this regard was issued here.

Pakistan has already suspended services on its end, officials said here, amidst strain in ties in the aftermath of the February 14 terror attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama and subsequent developments.

The train, which was supposed to leave from Attari to Delhi at around 8 pm Thursday, has been cancelled.

The Railway Board has also suspended all operations of the Attari Special Express, Delhi-Attari-Delhi, which together with the Wagah-Lahore link is known as the Samjhauta or Friendship Express, from the train's next scheduled run which is on Sunday, March 3, according to the order.

"With no passengers from Pakistan, it makes no sense to run it on our end.&nbsp; 
The cancellation has been done purely for an operational reason. Hopefully, we will be able to resume services once the tension de-escalates," a source said.

At least 40 passengers from both countries are believed to be stranded at Attari, the sources said.

Pakistan had Wednesday cancelled the train's trip on the Wagah-Lahore stretch on its side, even as 27 passengers -- 24 Indians and three from the neighbouring country arrived in Attari at 7 am.

The train had left the Old Delhi Railway station at 11:20 pm Wednesday night.

On Thursday, the Wagah station master sent a message to his Attari counterpart that the passenger and parcel train which comes to Attari station from the Pakistan side at 12.30 pm will not be coming till further notice, officials said.

Earlier in the day, a Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) spokesman said in a statement the operations of the train had been suspended Thursday "in view of the prevailing tensions between Pakistan and India."

The biweekly train was scheduled to depart from Lahore with 16 passengers. "Samjhauta Express will resume its operations as soon as the security situation improves between India and Pakistan," the FO said, not giving any specific date for resuming the services.

Originally, the train offered a through service with one rake going all the way between the terminals - Delhi in India to Lahore in Pakistan. However, now a Pakistani rake stops at Attari at which point passengers have to change trains and board an Indian rake.

The Samjhauta Express, named after the Hindi word for "agreement", comprises six sleeper coaches and an AC 3-tier coach. The train service was started on July 22, 1976, under the Shimla Agreement that settled the 1971 war between the two nations. From Lahore, the train departs on Monday and Thursday.

The train operates from Delhi on every Wednesday and Sunday. 
The sources said the footfall on the train, which generally records an occupancy of around 70 per cent, has fallen drastically post the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

Railways has cancelled the operations of the Indo-Pak Samjhauta Express on its side from Thursday, which senior officials said was due to "purely operational reasons" as Pakistan had suspended services from across the border.

Railways has cancelled the operations of the Indo-Pak Samjhauta Express on its side from Thursday, which senior officials said was due to "purely operational reasons" as Pakistan had suspended services from across the border. A notification in this regard was issued here. Pakistan has already suspended services on its end, officials said here, amidst strain in ties in the aftermath of the February 14 terror attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama and subsequent developments. The train, which was supposed to leave from Attari to Delhi at around 8 pm Thursday, has been cancelled. The Railway Board has also suspended all operations of the Attari Special Express, Delhi-Attari-Delhi, which together with the Wagah-Lahore link is known as the Samjhauta or Friendship Express, from the train's next scheduled run which is on Sunday, March 3, according to the order. "With no passengers from Pakistan, it makes no sense to run it on our end. The cancellation has been done purely for an operational reason. Hopefully, we will be able to resume services once the tension de-escalates," a source said. At least 40 passengers from both countries are believed to be stranded at Attari, the sources said. Pakistan had Wednesday cancelled the train's trip on the Wagah-Lahore stretch on its side, even as 27 passengers -- 24 Indians and three from the neighbouring country arrived in Attari at 7 am. The train had left the Old Delhi Railway station at 11:20 pm Wednesday night. On Thursday, the Wagah station master sent a message to his Attari counterpart that the passenger and parcel train which comes to Attari station from the Pakistan side at 12.30 pm will not be coming till further notice, officials said. Earlier in the day, a Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) spokesman said in a statement the operations of the train had been suspended Thursday "in view of the prevailing tensions between Pakistan and India." The biweekly train was scheduled to depart from Lahore with 16 passengers. "Samjhauta Express will resume its operations as soon as the security situation improves between India and Pakistan," the FO said, not giving any specific date for resuming the services. Originally, the train offered a through service with one rake going all the way between the terminals - Delhi in India to Lahore in Pakistan. However, now a Pakistani rake stops at Attari at which point passengers have to change trains and board an Indian rake. The Samjhauta Express, named after the Hindi word for "agreement", comprises six sleeper coaches and an AC 3-tier coach. The train service was started on July 22, 1976, under the Shimla Agreement that settled the 1971 war between the two nations. From Lahore, the train departs on Monday and Thursday. The train operates from Delhi on every Wednesday and Sunday. The sources said the footfall on the train, which generally records an occupancy of around 70 per cent, has fallen drastically post the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

After Pakistan, India cancels Samjhauta Express operations

In signs of the Indian economy losing steam ahead of the general elections, GDP growth slowed to a five-quarter low of 6.6 per cent in October-December on the back of lower farm and manufacturing growth and weaker consumer demand, government data showed Thursday.

Also, economic growth estimate for the current fiscal year ending March 31 has been revised downwards to 7 per cent from the earlier estimate of 7.2 per cent. This is the lowest growth in the last five years.

However, the third quarter growth rate, which was lower than the revised estimate of 7 per cent in the previous quarter and 8 per cent in April-June, was faster than China's 6.4 per cent growth for the three months to December 2018. India thus retains its tag of the world's fastest-growing major economy.

Data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) showed slower consumer spending at 8.4 per cent as compared to 9.9 per cent in the previous quarter. Farm sector growth slowed to 2.7 per cent from 4.2 per cent in Q2 and 4.6 per cent in Q1.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had earlier this month cut the key interest rate by 25 basis points and changed its policy stance to "neutral" from "calibrated tightening", saying the shift provides flexibility and room to address challenges to the sustained growth of the Indian economy over the coming months.

Parallelly, eight core infrastructure industries' growth in January declined to a 19-month low of 1.8 per cent (December 2018: 2.7 per cent, January 2018: 6.2 per cent) on contraction in refinery products and electricity. Electricity sector, which last witnessed a contraction in February 2013, posted a growth of (-) 0.4 per cent in January -- the lowest in the last 71 months.

Devendra Kumar Pant, chief economist at India Ratings, said size of the economy (nominal GDP) in FY19 is now estimated at Rs 190.54 lakh crore compared to Rs 188.41 lakh crore, which "will help government to achieve fiscal deficit/GDP target for FY19 even though the fiscal deficit till January 2019 is 121.5 per cent of FY19 (revised estimate)."

FY19 GDP growth at 7 per cent "indicates that the economy is losing steam," he said, adding the GDP growth in Q4 has to be 6.5 per cent to attain overall 7 per cent growth in FY19. "This on the face of it looks plausible; however, unless exports in Q4 grow 14 per cent, attaining 7 per cent growth will be difficult."

According to CSO, while agriculture is estimated to grow at 2.7 per cent, manufacturing growth is expected to accelerate to 8.1 per cent in 2018-19. However, trade, hotel and transportation sector growth is expected to decelerate to 6.8 per cent during the year.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at constant prices (2011-12) had grown at 7.7 per cent in the October-December quarter of the previous financial year. The growth rate was revised upwardly from 7 per cent.

"GDP at Constant Prices in Q3 of 2018-19 is estimated at Rs 35 lakh crore, as against Rs 32.85 lakh crore in Q3 of 2017-18, showing a growth rate of 6.6 per cent," the CSO said.

The CSO also revised GDP growth figures for April-June and July-September quarters of this fiscal to 8 per cent and 7 per cent from 8.2 per cent and 7.1 per cent.

The GDP growth rates for April-June and July-September of last fiscal were also revised to 6 per cent and 6.8 per cent from 5.6 per cent and 6.3 per cent, respectively.

"Declining trend in core sector growth from October 2018 suggests continued weakness in industrial activities and a weak second half economic growth. Expect a low industrial growth in the month of January 2019," Pant added.

During the third quarter of this fiscal, the gross value added (GVA) of the farm sector grew at 2.7 per cent compared to 4.6 per cent a year ago.

Similarly, mining and quarrying growth slipped to 1.3 per cent from 4.5 per cent. The manufacturing sector also grew at a lower rate of 6.7 per cent in the third quarter compared to 8.6 per cent earlier.

In its second advance estimates for this fiscal, the CSO said farm sector GVA will grow at 2.7 per cent in 2018-19 compared to 5 per cent a year ago.

Mining and quarrying growth for the full fiscal has been estimated at 1.2 per cent as against 5.1 per cent in 2017-18.

However, it estimated that manufacturing growth would be higher at 8.1 per cent compared to 5.9 per cent in the previous financial year.

Meanwhile, the per capita income in real terms (at 2011-12 prices) during 2018-19 is likely to grow to Rs 92,718 as compared to Rs 87,623 for 2017-18. The growth rate in per capita income is estimated at 5.8 percent during 2018-19, as against 5.7 per cent in the previous year.

The Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), an indicator of investment, at current prices is estimated at Rs 55.02 lakh crore in 2018-19 as against Rs 48.97 lakh crore in 2017-18.

At constant prices (2011-12), the GFCF is estimated at Rs 45.50 lakh crore in 2018-19 as against Rs 41.37 lakh crore in 2017-18.

In terms of GDP, the rates of GFCF at current and constant prices during 2018-19 are estimated at 28.9 per cent and 32.3 per cent, as against 28.6 per cent and 31.4 per cent in 2017-18. The GFCF is expected to register a growth of 12.4 per cent at current prices and 10 per cent at constant prices during 2018-19.

In signs of the Indian economy losing steam ahead of the general elections, GDP growth slowed to a five-quarter low of 6.6 per cent in October-December on the back of lower farm and manufacturing growth and weaker consumer demand, government data showed Thursday.

In signs of the Indian economy losing steam ahead of the general elections, GDP growth slowed to a five-quarter low of 6.6 per cent in October-December on the back of lower farm and manufacturing growth and weaker consumer demand, government data showed Thursday. Also, economic growth estimate for the current fiscal year ending March 31 has been revised downwards to 7 per cent from the earlier estimate of 7.2 per cent. This is the lowest growth in the last five years. However, the third quarter growth rate, which was lower than the revised estimate of 7 per cent in the previous quarter and 8 per cent in April-June, was faster than China's 6.4 per cent growth for the three months to December 2018. India thus retains its tag of the world's fastest-growing major economy. Data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) showed slower consumer spending at 8.4 per cent as compared to 9.9 per cent in the previous quarter. Farm sector growth slowed to 2.7 per cent from 4.2 per cent in Q2 and 4.6 per cent in Q1. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had earlier this month cut the key interest rate by 25 basis points and changed its policy stance to "neutral" from "calibrated tightening", saying the shift provides flexibility and room to address challenges to the sustained growth of the Indian economy over the coming months. Parallelly, eight core infrastructure industries' growth in January declined to a 19-month low of 1.8 per cent (December 2018: 2.7 per cent, January 2018: 6.2 per cent) on contraction in refinery products and electricity. Electricity sector, which last witnessed a contraction in February 2013, posted a growth of (-) 0.4 per cent in January -- the lowest in the last 71 months. Devendra Kumar Pant, chief economist at India Ratings, said size of the economy (nominal GDP) in FY19 is now estimated at Rs 190.54 lakh crore compared to Rs 188.41 lakh crore, which "will help government to achieve fiscal deficit/GDP target for FY19 even though the fiscal deficit till January 2019 is 121.5 per cent of FY19 (revised estimate)." FY19 GDP growth at 7 per cent "indicates that the economy is losing steam," he said, adding the GDP growth in Q4 has to be 6.5 per cent to attain overall 7 per cent growth in FY19. "This on the face of it looks plausible; however, unless exports in Q4 grow 14 per cent, attaining 7 per cent growth will be difficult." According to CSO, while agriculture is estimated to grow at 2.7 per cent, manufacturing growth is expected to accelerate to 8.1 per cent in 2018-19. However, trade, hotel and transportation sector growth is expected to decelerate to 6.8 per cent during the year. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at constant prices (2011-12) had grown at 7.7 per cent in the October-December quarter of the previous financial year. The growth rate was revised upwardly from 7 per cent. "GDP at Constant Prices in Q3 of 2018-19 is estimated at Rs 35 lakh crore, as against Rs 32.85 lakh crore in Q3 of 2017-18, showing a growth rate of 6.6 per cent," the CSO said. The CSO also revised GDP growth figures for April-June and July-September quarters of this fiscal to 8 per cent and 7 per cent from 8.2 per cent and 7.1 per cent. The GDP growth rates for April-June and July-September of last fiscal were also revised to 6 per cent and 6.8 per cent from 5.6 per cent and 6.3 per cent, respectively. "Declining trend in core sector growth from October 2018 suggests continued weakness in industrial activities and a weak second half economic growth. Expect a low industrial growth in the month of January 2019," Pant added. During the third quarter of this fiscal, the gross value added (GVA) of the farm sector grew at 2.7 per cent compared to 4.6 per cent a year ago. Similarly, mining and quarrying growth slipped to 1.3 per cent from 4.5 per cent. The manufacturing sector also grew at a lower rate of 6.7 per cent in the third quarter compared to 8.6 per cent earlier. In its second advance estimates for this fiscal, the CSO said farm sector GVA will grow at 2.7 per cent in 2018-19 compared to 5 per cent a year ago. Mining and quarrying growth for the full fiscal has been estimated at 1.2 per cent as against 5.1 per cent in 2017-18. However, it estimated that manufacturing growth would be higher at 8.1 per cent compared to 5.9 per cent in the previous financial year. Meanwhile, the per capita income in real terms (at 2011-12 prices) during 2018-19 is likely to grow to Rs 92,718 as compared to Rs 87,623 for 2017-18. The growth rate in per capita income is estimated at 5.8 percent during 2018-19, as against 5.7 per cent in the previous year. The Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), an indicator of investment, at current prices is estimated at Rs 55.02 lakh crore in 2018-19 as against Rs 48.97 lakh crore in 2017-18. At constant prices (2011-12), the GFCF is estimated at Rs 45.50 lakh crore in 2018-19 as against Rs 41.37 lakh crore in 2017-18. In terms of GDP, the rates of GFCF at current and constant prices during 2018-19 are estimated at 28.9 per cent and 32.3 per cent, as against 28.6 per cent and 31.4 per cent in 2017-18. The GFCF is expected to register a growth of 12.4 per cent at current prices and 10 per cent at constant prices during 2018-19.

India GDP growth slows to five-quarter low of 6.6% in Q3, still fastest in the world 

After India declared that one of its pilots was "missing in action", <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-tensions-at-the-border-india-summons-pakistan-deputy-high-commissioner-200067">the ministry of foreign affairs(MEA)</a> summoned the Pakistani deputy high commissioner &nbsp;Syed Haider Shah &nbsp;even as tensions escalated at the border on Wednesday.

In a statement, the MEA said: "It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return."

"India also strongly objected to Pakistan's vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention," the MEA statement added.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AVrUd53jJ-k" width="560"></iframe>

India and Pakistan Air Force were involved in a skirmish on Wednesday morning as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/shot-down-one-pakistan-air-force-plane-1-mig-21-aircraft-lost-pilot-missing-in-action-india-200042">Pakistan Air Force(PAF) jets</a> entered Indian airspace through Nowshera. India's foreign ministry spokesman said Indian forces shot down a PAF jet but it lost a MiG-21 aircraft with a pilot "missing in action".

In the afternoon, PM Imran Khan in an address to the nation called for talks terming war as a "miscalculation". Amid heightened&nbsp;tensions, the US and China urged both sides to exercise&nbsp;restraint.

The Indian Air Force had conducted a predawn attack on Pakistani terror targets on Tuesday in Balakot area&nbsp;the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan&nbsp;in retaliation&nbsp;against the terror attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama on February 14th.

After India declared that one of its pilots was "missing in action", the ministry of foreign affairs(MEA) summoned the Pakistani deputy high commissioner Syed Haider Shah even as tensions escalated at the border on Wednesday.

After India declared that one of its pilots was "missing in action", the ministry of foreign affairs(MEA) summoned the Pakistani deputy high commissioner Syed Haider Shah even as tensions escalated at the border on Wednesday. In a statement, the MEA said: "It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return." "India also strongly objected to Pakistan's vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention," the MEA statement added. India and Pakistan Air Force were involved in a skirmish on Wednesday morning as Pakistan Air Force(PAF) jets entered Indian airspace through Nowshera. India's foreign ministry spokesman said Indian forces shot down a PAF jet but it lost a MiG-21 aircraft with a pilot "missing in action". In the afternoon, PM Imran Khan in an address to the nation called for talks terming war as a "miscalculation". Amid heightened tensions, the US and China urged both sides to exercise restraint. The Indian Air Force had conducted a predawn attack on Pakistani terror targets on Tuesday in Balakot area the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan in retaliation against the terror attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama on February 14th.

Ensure no harm comes to Indian defence personnel, expect his safe return: India to Pak

India-Pak standoff: A look at how India's Air Force compares with Pakistan's

Indian Armed forces held a joint press conference in New Delhi today even as Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS) meeting was&nbsp;underway in the capital.

The press conference was held just hours after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-a-peace-gesture-we-are-releasing-captured-pilot-tomorrow-pm-imran-khan-200295">Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan</a> announced in the National Assembly that his government would be releasing the&nbsp;Indian pilot tomorrow who was being held in captivity since Wednesday.

Army's Major general S&nbsp;S&nbsp;Mehal, Navy's Rear Admiral Dalbir Singh Gujral and Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor from the Indian Air Force held the press conference.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f42i1U4X33Q" width="560"></iframe>

During the press conference Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said: "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-amraam-missile-and-why-its-an-important-evidence-against-pakistan-200344">IAF fighters were tasked to intercept</a> the intruding Pakistani aircraft and managed to thwart them. Although PAF jets dropped bombs, they were not able to cause any damage."

"One Pakistani F-16 was shot down by an IAF MiG-21 Bison aircraft, he said, adding,"in east Rajouri, parts of F-16 have been recovered, inside the Indian territory."

"Pakistan Air Force had targeted our military installations but Pakistan Air Force bombs were unable to damage any of our defence installations," he added.

"There is enough evidence to show that F-16s were used in this mission through their electronic signatures. Parts of AMRAAM, air-to-air missile which was carried only on the Pakistani F-16s was recovered east of Rajouri within the Indian territory," he added.

Pakistan lied that no F-16 was used but there was enough evidence, Kapoor added.

Addressing the gathering, Indian Army's Major General S S Mahal said escalation of tensions had been done by Pakistan but India was prepared for any contingency if the enemy provoked it.&nbsp;

Mechanised forces were put on standby and troops were ready to deal with any security challenge, he said.&nbsp;

Rear Admiral of the Indian Navy Dalbir Singh Gujral said the force was in a high state of readiness to deal with any Pakistan maritime misadventure.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian Armed forces held a joint press conference in New Delhi today even as Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS) meeting was underway in the capital. The press conference was held just hours after Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan announced in the National Assembly that his government would be releasing the Indian pilot tomorrow who was being held in captivity since Wednesday.

Indian Armed forces held a joint press conference in New Delhi today even as Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS) meeting was underway in the capital. The press conference was held just hours after Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan announced in the National Assembly that his government would be releasing the Indian pilot tomorrow who was being held in captivity since Wednesday. Army's Major general S S Mehal, Navy's Rear Admiral Dalbir Singh Gujral and Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor from the Indian Air Force held the press conference. During the press conference Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said: "IAF fighters were tasked to intercept the intruding Pakistani aircraft and managed to thwart them. Although PAF jets dropped bombs, they were not able to cause any damage." "One Pakistani F-16 was shot down by an IAF MiG-21 Bison aircraft, he said, adding,"in east Rajouri, parts of F-16 have been recovered, inside the Indian territory." "Pakistan Air Force had targeted our military installations but Pakistan Air Force bombs were unable to damage any of our defence installations," he added. "There is enough evidence to show that F-16s were used in this mission through their electronic signatures. Parts of AMRAAM, air-to-air missile which was carried only on the Pakistani F-16s was recovered east of Rajouri within the Indian territory," he added. Pakistan lied that no F-16 was used but there was enough evidence, Kapoor added. Addressing the gathering, Indian Army's Major General S S Mahal said escalation of tensions had been done by Pakistan but India was prepared for any contingency if the enemy provoked it. Mechanised forces were put on standby and troops were ready to deal with any security challenge, he said. Rear Admiral of the Indian Navy Dalbir Singh Gujral said the force was in a high state of readiness to deal with any Pakistan maritime misadventure.

One Pakistani F-16 was shot down by MiG-21 Bison, says Air Vice Marshal Kapoor during armed forces joint press conference

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-france-ask-un-to-blacklist-jem-leader-masood-azhar-move-is-likely-to-be-opposed-by-china-200140">US, UK, France ask UN to blacklist JeM leader Masood Azhar; move likely to face opposition from China</a>

The United States, Britain and France proposed on Wednesday that the United Nations Security Council blacklist the head of Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad, which said it attacked an Indian paramilitary convoy in disputed Kashmir.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hanoi-summit-in-no-rush-we-want-to-do-the-right-deal-says-trump-ahead-of-joint-agreement-signing-200145">Hanoi summit: 'In no rush, we want to do the right deal', says Trump ahead of joint agreement signing</a>

North Korea's Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump met for the second day of talks in Hanoi Thursday aimed at building on their last meeting eight months ago.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/my-loyalty-to-donald-trump-has-cost-me-everything-says-former-lawyer-michael-cohen-in-congressional-testimony-200137">If Trump loses </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/my-loyalty-to-donald-trump-has-cost-me-everything-says-former-lawyer-michael-cohen-in-congressional-testimony-200137">2020</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/my-loyalty-to-donald-trump-has-cost-me-everything-says-former-lawyer-michael-cohen-in-congressional-testimony-200137"> election, there will never be </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/my-loyalty-to-donald-trump-has-cost-me-everything-says-former-lawyer-michael-cohen-in-congressional-testimony-200137">peaceful</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/my-loyalty-to-donald-trump-has-cost-me-everything-says-former-lawyer-michael-cohen-in-congressional-testimony-200137"> transition of power: Michael Cohen</a>

&nbsp;US President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen accused him of breaking the law while in office and said for the first time that Trump knew in advance about a WikiLeaks dump of stolen emails that hurt his 2016 election rival, Hillary Clinton.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-will-not-keep-quiet-to-any-act-of-terrorism-says-ambassador-to-us-200144">India will not keep quiet to any act of terrorism, says Ambassador to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-will-not-keep-quiet-to-any-act-of-terrorism-says-ambassador-to-us-200144">US</a>

India's Ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said that India will not keep quiet to any act of terrorism and giving "appropriate response" to all terrorism incidents is the new normal for the country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-mine-navy-recovers-second-body-200142">Meghalaya mine: Navy recovers </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-mine-navy-recovers-second-body-200142">second</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-mine-navy-recovers-second-body-200142"> body</a>

The Indian Navy on Wednesday recovered the second body from the flooded rat-hole mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US, UK, France ask UN to blacklist JeM leader Masood Azhar; move likely to face opposition from China The United States, Britain and France proposed on Wednesday that the United Nations Security Council blacklist the head of Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad, which said it attacked an Indian paramilitary convoy in disputed Kashmir.

US, UK, France ask UN to blacklist JeM leader Masood Azhar; move likely to face opposition from China The United States, Britain and France proposed on Wednesday that the United Nations Security Council blacklist the head of Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad, which said it attacked an Indian paramilitary convoy in disputed Kashmir. Hanoi summit: 'In no rush, we want to do the right deal', says Trump ahead of joint agreement signing North Korea's Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump met for the second day of talks in Hanoi Thursday aimed at building on their last meeting eight months ago. If Trump loses 2020 election, there will never be peaceful transition of power: Michael Cohen US President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen accused him of breaking the law while in office and said for the first time that Trump knew in advance about a WikiLeaks dump of stolen emails that hurt his 2016 election rival, Hillary Clinton. India will not keep quiet to any act of terrorism, says Ambassador to US India's Ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said that India will not keep quiet to any act of terrorism and giving "appropriate response" to all terrorism incidents is the new normal for the country. Meghalaya mine: Navy recovers second body The Indian Navy on Wednesday recovered the second body from the flooded rat-hole mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, news agency ANI reported.

News brief: Big stories of the day

India's Ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said that India will not keep quiet to any act of terrorism and giving "appropriate response" to all terrorism incidents is the new normal for the country.

In a first-of-its-kind interaction with Indian students from the various universities from the Greater Washington area, Shringla said that Pakistan needs to meet its international obligations to crackdown on terrorist networks and safe havens within its territory.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed in a suicide attack by Pakistan-based JeM in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, sparking outrage in the country.

Following the attack, India bombed and destroyed JeM's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, about 80-km from the Line of Control (LoC) early Tuesday, killing a "very large number" of terrorists, trainers and senior commanders. 
Shringla updated the Indian students about the latest development back home and why India choose to act this way, after the Pulwama terrorist attack.&nbsp;

He said that Pakistan did not act against terrorist organisations or its leaders despite India giving actionable intelligence against the 26/11, Pathankot and Uri attacks.

"This time, India opted for pre-emptive attack, mainly because terrorists were planning to launch another terrorist attack inside India, he said referring to the daring air strike by Indian Air Force deep inside Pakistan.&nbsp; 
"By doing so, India ensured that it was a non-military, and in remote area with no civilian casualties," he said.

Shringla said that India has been successful in articulating its case with the international community including the US.&nbsp;

"The international community is with India," he said.

Appreciating the strong support coming from the United States, in particular from the White House, the State Department and the Congress, Shringla said this incident has brought the two countries together for counter-terrorism cooperation.&nbsp;

India's Ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said that India will not keep quiet to any act of terrorism and giving "appropriate response" to all terrorism incidents is the new normal for the country.

India's Ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said that India will not keep quiet to any act of terrorism and giving "appropriate response" to all terrorism incidents is the new normal for the country. In a first-of-its-kind interaction with Indian students from the various universities from the Greater Washington area, Shringla said that Pakistan needs to meet its international obligations to crackdown on terrorist networks and safe havens within its territory. Forty CRPF personnel were killed in a suicide attack by Pakistan-based JeM in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, sparking outrage in the country. Following the attack, India bombed and destroyed JeM's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, about 80-km from the Line of Control (LoC) early Tuesday, killing a "very large number" of terrorists, trainers and senior commanders. Shringla updated the Indian students about the latest development back home and why India choose to act this way, after the Pulwama terrorist attack. He said that Pakistan did not act against terrorist organisations or its leaders despite India giving actionable intelligence against the 26/11, Pathankot and Uri attacks. "This time, India opted for pre-emptive attack, mainly because terrorists were planning to launch another terrorist attack inside India, he said referring to the daring air strike by Indian Air Force deep inside Pakistan. "By doing so, India ensured that it was a non-military, and in remote area with no civilian casualties," he said. Shringla said that India has been successful in articulating its case with the international community including the US. "The international community is with India," he said. Appreciating the strong support coming from the United States, in particular from the White House, the State Department and the Congress, Shringla said this incident has brought the two countries together for counter-terrorism cooperation.

India will not keep quiet to any act of terrorism, says Ambassador to US

The Indian Navy on Wednesday recovered the second body from the flooded rat-hole mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The highly decomposed body was pulled out&nbsp;by a combined team of the Indian Navy and National Disaster Response Force from 370-feet depth.

The body has now been handed over to the Meghalaya Police and is now being taken to local hospital for autopsy.

Fifteen miners were trapped after water gushed into the illegal coal mine located in Ksan village after the miners are believed to have punctured into a wall of another coal mine.

The tragedy came to light after five miners escaped from the coal pit. Since then, a multi-agency rescue operation has been underway to rescue the miners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The coal pit disaster took place despite an interim ban on rat-hole coal mining in the state by the National Green Tribunal since April 17, 2014.

The Supreme Court, which is monitoring the rescue operations, has told the government that the trapped miners must be taken out of the mine, "dead" or "alive".

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Navy on Wednesday recovered the second body from the flooded rat-hole mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, news agency ANI reported. The highly decomposed body was pulled out by a combined team of the Indian Navy and National Disaster Response Force from 370-feet depth.

The Indian Navy on Wednesday recovered the second body from the flooded rat-hole mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, news agency ANI reported. The highly decomposed body was pulled out by a combined team of the Indian Navy and National Disaster Response Force from 370-feet depth. The body has now been handed over to the Meghalaya Police and is now being taken to local hospital for autopsy. Fifteen miners were trapped after water gushed into the illegal coal mine located in Ksan village after the miners are believed to have punctured into a wall of another coal mine. The tragedy came to light after five miners escaped from the coal pit. Since then, a multi-agency rescue operation has been underway to rescue the miners. The coal pit disaster took place despite an interim ban on rat-hole coal mining in the state by the National Green Tribunal since April 17, 2014. The Supreme Court, which is monitoring the rescue operations, has told the government that the trapped miners must be taken out of the mine, "dead" or "alive". (With inputs from agencies)

Meghalaya mine: Navy recovers second body

The Indian Air Force today presented visuals as evidence of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-pakistani-f-16-was-shot-down-by-mig-21-bison-says-air-vice-marshal-kapoor-during-armed-forces-joint-press-conference-200333"> cover of </a>AMRAAM<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-pakistani-f-16-was-shot-down-by-mig-21-bison-says-air-vice-marshal-kapoor-during-armed-forces-joint-press-conference-200333">&nbsp;missile fired</a> from Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft which was found in east of Rajouri after Pakistan Air Force(PAF) jets entered into Indian airspace on Wednesday morning.

During the joint press conference by the Indian armed forces, Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said: "There is enough evidence to show that F-16s were used in this mission through their electronic signatures. Parts of AMRAAM, air-to-air missile which was carried only on the Pakistani F-16s was recovered east of Rajouri within the Indian territory."

Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor added that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-amraam-missile-and-why-its-an-important-evidence-against-pakistan-200344">India's MiG-21 Bison had shot down</a> the F-16 aircraft as it entered the Indian territory from eastern Rajouri.
<img alt="AARAM" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4ddae615-1ed2-4804-9109-faa804f1e567" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/AARAM%20%282%29.JPG" />
AMRAAM is an air-to-air, beyond-visual-range missile produced by the US Air Force which is now being used by several nations - including Pakistan. The missile is integrated into F-15, F-16, F-22, Tornado and other fighter aircrafts worldwide.

It is a long distance, high altitude missile produced in thousands by the US armed forces. The&nbsp;AMRAAM missile fits into a wide variety of operations due to its unique capabilities.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3BUC8AsHsqk" width="560"></iframe>

The Indian Air Force today presented visuals as evidence of cover of AMRAAM missile fired from Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft which was found in east of Rajouri after Pakistan Air Force(PAF) jets entered into Indian airspace on Wednesday morning.

The Indian Air Force today presented visuals as evidence of cover of AMRAAM missile fired from Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft which was found in east of Rajouri after Pakistan Air Force(PAF) jets entered into Indian airspace on Wednesday morning. During the joint press conference by the Indian armed forces, Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said: "There is enough evidence to show that F-16s were used in this mission through their electronic signatures. Parts of AMRAAM, air-to-air missile which was carried only on the Pakistani F-16s was recovered east of Rajouri within the Indian territory." Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor added that India's MiG-21 Bison had shot down the F-16 aircraft as it entered the Indian territory from eastern Rajouri. AMRAAM is an air-to-air, beyond-visual-range missile produced by the US Air Force which is now being used by several nations - including Pakistan. The missile is integrated into F-15, F-16, F-22, Tornado and other fighter aircrafts worldwide. It is a long distance, high altitude missile produced in thousands by the US armed forces. The AMRAAM missile fits into a wide variety of operations due to its unique capabilities.

IAF presents evidence of AMRAAM missile fired from Pakistani F-16 aircraft

The US has asked India and Pakistan to de-escalate their tension and avoid military to resolve their differences.

Responding to reporters questions over the current situation between India and Pakistan, a State Department spokesperson joined the White House and the Pentagon urging India and Pakistan to cease all cross-border military activity and for a return to stability, the spokesperson said.

''We urge both sides to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, including through direct communication. Further military activity will exacerbate the situation,'' the spokesperson added.&nbsp;

The US also asked Pakistan to abide by its UN Security Council commitments to deny terrorists safe haven and block their access to funds.

''Cross-border terrorism, such as the recent attack on India's CRPF on February 14, poses a grave threat to the security of the region. We reiterate our call for Pakistan to abide by its United Nations Security Council commitments to deny terrorists safe haven and block their access to funds, the spokesperson said.

This US statement came after India on Wednesday handed over to Pakistan a dossier on specific details" of involvement of the Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) in the Pulwama terror attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as also the presence of camps of the UN-proscribed terror outfit in that country.

The Ministry of External Affairs handed over the dossier Pakistan's Acting High Commissioner on Wednesday.

It was conveyed that India expects Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed in a suicide attack by Pakistan-based JeM in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, sparking outrage in the country.

With PTI inputs&nbsp;

The US has asked India and Pakistan to de-escalate their tension and avoid military to resolve their differences. Responding to reporters questions over the current situation between India and Pakistan, a State Department spokesperson joined the White House and the Pentagon urging India and Pakistan to cease all cross-border military activity and for a return to stability, the spokesperson said.

The US has asked India and Pakistan to de-escalate their tension and avoid military to resolve their differences. Responding to reporters questions over the current situation between India and Pakistan, a State Department spokesperson joined the White House and the Pentagon urging India and Pakistan to cease all cross-border military activity and for a return to stability, the spokesperson said. ''We urge both sides to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, including through direct communication. Further military activity will exacerbate the situation,'' the spokesperson added. The US also asked Pakistan to abide by its UN Security Council commitments to deny terrorists safe haven and block their access to funds. ''Cross-border terrorism, such as the recent attack on India's CRPF on February 14, poses a grave threat to the security of the region. We reiterate our call for Pakistan to abide by its United Nations Security Council commitments to deny terrorists safe haven and block their access to funds, the spokesperson said. This US statement came after India on Wednesday handed over to Pakistan a dossier on specific details" of involvement of the Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) in the Pulwama terror attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as also the presence of camps of the UN-proscribed terror outfit in that country. The Ministry of External Affairs handed over the dossier Pakistan's Acting High Commissioner on Wednesday. It was conveyed that India expects Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control. Forty CRPF personnel were killed in a suicide attack by Pakistan-based JeM in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, sparking outrage in the country. With PTI inputs

US asks India and Pakistan to de-escalate tension, avoid military to resolve differences

Russia is ready to mediate between India and Pakistan to try to calm tensions between the two nuclear powers, Russian government officials said on Thursday, warning of the risk of further clashes between the two countries.

Moscow made the offer after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-a-peace-gesture-we-are-releasing-captured-pilot-tomorrow-pm-imran-khan-200295">Pakistan said it was considering returning a captured Indian pilot </a>and as US President Donald Trump said American mediation was helping to defuse the crisis.

Russia has particularly close relations with India which buys large quantities of Russian military equipment and its relationship with Pakistan has warmed in recent years.

When asked on Thursday if Russia was ready to help mediate between the two countries, the TASS news agency quoted Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying:&nbsp;

"If they want this, then of course."

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova later said Moscow was ready to do anything it could to help.

"We are concerned about the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan and the dangerous manoeuvring of the two countries’ armed forces near ??the line of control, which risks direct military clashes," Zakharova told reporters.&nbsp;

Lavrov spoke to Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday on the sidelines of an event in China after which he said he hoped tensions could be de-escalated and that both countries would show restraint.&nbsp;

Russia is ready to mediate between India and Pakistan to try to calm tensions between the two nuclear powers, Russian government officials said on Thursday, warning of the risk of further clashes between the two countries.

Russia is ready to mediate between India and Pakistan to try to calm tensions between the two nuclear powers, Russian government officials said on Thursday, warning of the risk of further clashes between the two countries. Moscow made the offer after Pakistan said it was considering returning a captured Indian pilot and as US President Donald Trump said American mediation was helping to defuse the crisis. Russia has particularly close relations with India which buys large quantities of Russian military equipment and its relationship with Pakistan has warmed in recent years. When asked on Thursday if Russia was ready to help mediate between the two countries, the TASS news agency quoted Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying: "If they want this, then of course." Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova later said Moscow was ready to do anything it could to help. "We are concerned about the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan and the dangerous manoeuvring of the two countries’ armed forces near ??the line of control, which risks direct military clashes," Zakharova told reporters. Lavrov spoke to Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday on the sidelines of an event in China after which he said he hoped tensions could be de-escalated and that both countries would show restraint.

Russia offers to help mediate between India and Pakistan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-a-peace-gesture-we-are-releasing-captured-pilot-tomorrow-pm-imran-khan-200295">As a peace gesture we are releasing captured Indian pilot tomorrow, says Pak PM Imran Khan</a>

Prime Minister Imran Khan told the&nbsp;National Assembly today that the Pakistan government&nbsp;would be releasing the captured pilot tomorrow. The development comes after&nbsp;a media report said foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was willing to consider returning the Indian pilot if&nbsp;it led&nbsp;to "de-escalation".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-resorts-to-ceasefire-violation-on-seventh-consecutive-day-fires-mortars-in-poonch-200296">Pakistan resorts to ceasefire violation on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-resorts-to-ceasefire-violation-on-seventh-consecutive-day-fires-mortars-in-poonch-200296">seventh</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-resorts-to-ceasefire-violation-on-seventh-consecutive-day-fires-mortars-in-poonch-200296"> consecutive day, fires mortars in Poonch</a>

The Pakistani Army Thursday heavily shelled forward posts along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts, committing repeated ceasefire violations but drawing "strong" retaliation from the Indian Army, an official said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-keep-eye-on-china-indian-army-shifts-mountain-strike-corps-headquarters-from-ranchi-to-panagarh-200313">To keep eye on China, Indian Army shifts Mountain Strike Corps’ headquarters from Jharkhand to West Bengal</a>

In the backdrop of Pakistan’s intrusion into&nbsp;the Indian air space on Wednesday, the Indian Army has decided to shift the headquarters of Mountain Strike Corps from Ranchi to Panagarh in West Bengal to keep a close watch on China.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-deal-with-kim-thwarted-by-north-korean-sanction-demands-200231">Trump says deal with Kim thwarted by North Korean sanction demands</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had&nbsp;failed to reach an agreement&nbsp;due to North Korean demands to lift punishing US-led sanctions.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mass-grave-found-in-last-islamic-state-bastion-syrian-democratic-forces-200317">Mass grave found in last Islamic State bastion: Syrian Democratic Forces</a>

A mass grave containing the bodies of dozens of people who may be Yazidis enslaved by Islamic State has been found in territory recently seized by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an SDF official said on Thursday.

As a peace gesture we are releasing captured Indian pilot tomorrow, says Pak PM Imran Khan Prime Minister Imran Khan told the National Assembly today that the Pakistan government would be releasing the captured pilot tomorrow.

As a peace gesture we are releasing captured Indian pilot tomorrow, says Pak PM Imran Khan Prime Minister Imran Khan told the National Assembly today that the Pakistan government would be releasing the captured pilot tomorrow. The development comes after a media report said foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was willing to consider returning the Indian pilot if it led to "de-escalation". Pakistan resorts to ceasefire violation on seventh consecutive day, fires mortars in Poonch The Pakistani Army Thursday heavily shelled forward posts along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts, committing repeated ceasefire violations but drawing "strong" retaliation from the Indian Army, an official said. To keep eye on China, Indian Army shifts Mountain Strike Corps’ headquarters from Jharkhand to West Bengal In the backdrop of Pakistan’s intrusion into the Indian air space on Wednesday, the Indian Army has decided to shift the headquarters of Mountain Strike Corps from Ranchi to Panagarh in West Bengal to keep a close watch on China. Trump says deal with Kim thwarted by North Korean sanction demands US President Donald Trump said on Thursday his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had failed to reach an agreement due to North Korean demands to lift punishing US-led sanctions. Mass grave found in last Islamic State bastion: Syrian Democratic Forces A mass grave containing the bodies of dozens of people who may be Yazidis enslaved by Islamic State has been found in territory recently seized by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an SDF official said on Thursday.

Tensions are on the rise between<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-standoff-us-supports-indias-airstrikes-on-jem-terror-camp-and-other-developments-200164"> India and Pakistan </a>since the pre-dawn airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed launch pads on Tuesday in retaliation to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maruti-eeco-used-in-pulwama-terror-attack-owner-on-the-run-nia-199691">Pulwama terror attack</a>; though <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tensions-between-india-pakistan-to-reduce-says-us-president-trump-200232">military combat looks unlikely</a> at the moment, it is important to take note of the capabilities of the two nuclear-armed countries.

As both India and Pakistan have significantly strong air forces, here is a look at how Pakistan's air force compares with India's.

In terms of personnel, the Indian air force (IAF) is the fourth largest in the world with over a lakh and 20 thousand soldiers and with nearly 813 combat aircraft, India's air force is significantly stronger.

On paper, the Indian air force is a more advanced and developed force than that of Pakistan.

Pakistan air force (PAF) has over 65 thousand personnel and possesses nearly half the number of combat aircraft that India does.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-proud-of-its-armed-forces-and-stands-by-them-says-modi-200221">India will fight as one and win as one, says PM Modi</a>

India ranks fourth among the countries in terms of combat aircraft with 5 per cent of the total share. Pakistan is ranked at number eight.

In terms of tankers, India is ranked seventh in the world with seven active fleets. Pakistan has seven airborne early warning and control aircraft while India has only four.

But the devil-as always is in the detail.

India has 33 fighter squadrons while Pakistan has 25. A ratio of 1.3 to 1, still better than the Pakistan air force. But down from the 3 to 1 ratio three decades ago.

One, a squadron-to-squadron comparison does not throw much light on-field capabilities.

And two, IAF's serviceability is much better than PAF's which means more IAF aircraft is available for a mission at any given time.

The nature of the fleet is also important for understanding capabilities.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wont-allow-a-kandahar-this-time-pakistan-must-immediately-send-our-pilot-back-says-india-200264">Won't allow a Kandahar this time, Pakistan must immediately send our pilot back, says India</a>

As of 2017, Pakistan air force had 141 F-7 combat jets, 37 F-16a/c jets, 40 JF-17 jets and 69 Mirage 999 ep jets. It also had 90 Mirages 5-EF fighter jets. Besides these,&nbsp;

Pakistan has ordered around 60 j-f-17 jets.

The country also has two falcons 20/200, 4 king air 350, 4 Saab special mission jets and 4 II-78 tankers.

The Indian air force, in comparison, has 117 Jaguar M/S combat aircraft, 262 MiG-21 fighter jets, 79 MiG-27, 66 MiG-29, 44 Mirage 2000 h, 162 Su-30MKI and one Tejas LCA fighter jets.

India has placed orders for nearly 144 T-50 Sukhoi fighter jets and 36 Rafale fighter jets.

India also has one 707, 2 g-100 Astra, 3 Gulfstream III special mission jets and 7 II-78 tankers.

However, size is just one side of the story when it comes to comparing the capabilities of air forces.

It's one thing to have more and superior jets, which India clearly has. But conflicts in the present-day run the risk of turning nuclear.

And both India and Pakistan are nuclear powers.

India has nine types of operational missiles, including the long-range Agni-3 missile.

Agni's range is between 3000-5000 kilometres.

In comparison, Pakistan's missiles are short to medium range missiles which can reach up to 2000 kilometres.

Pakistan has 140-150 nuclear warheads while India has 130-140 such warheads.

India's defence budget is five times that of Pakistan's and with this year's high allocation, India will have more to build its arsenal.

But, the presence of old fighter jets which are retiring soon and the ability to replace them in time have bogged India down while Pakistan air force has modernised its inventory in the meantime.

India though remains a superior power in terms of its air force, but time is running out. Indian air force needs an upgrade. The recent incidents only serve to highlight this aspect.

Pakistan army on Wednesday violated ceasefire for the fourth consecutive day in Kashmir's Rajouri district.

Tensions are on the rise between India and Pakistan since the pre-dawn airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed launch pads on Tuesday in retaliation to Pulwama terror attack; though military combat looks unlikely at the moment, it is important to take note of the capabilities of the two nuclear-armed countries.

Tensions are on the rise between India and Pakistan since the pre-dawn airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed launch pads on Tuesday in retaliation to Pulwama terror attack; though military combat looks unlikely at the moment, it is important to take note of the capabilities of the two nuclear-armed countries. As both India and Pakistan have significantly strong air forces, here is a look at how Pakistan's air force compares with India's. In terms of personnel, the Indian air force (IAF) is the fourth largest in the world with over a lakh and 20 thousand soldiers and with nearly 813 combat aircraft, India's air force is significantly stronger. On paper, the Indian air force is a more advanced and developed force than that of Pakistan. Pakistan air force (PAF) has over 65 thousand personnel and possesses nearly half the number of combat aircraft that India does. Also read: India will fight as one and win as one, says PM Modi India ranks fourth among the countries in terms of combat aircraft with 5 per cent of the total share. Pakistan is ranked at number eight. In terms of tankers, India is ranked seventh in the world with seven active fleets. Pakistan has seven airborne early warning and control aircraft while India has only four. But the devil-as always is in the detail. India has 33 fighter squadrons while Pakistan has 25. A ratio of 1.3 to 1, still better than the Pakistan air force. But down from the 3 to 1 ratio three decades ago. One, a squadron-to-squadron comparison does not throw much light on-field capabilities. And two, IAF's serviceability is much better than PAF's which means more IAF aircraft is available for a mission at any given time. The nature of the fleet is also important for understanding capabilities. Also read: Won't allow a Kandahar this time, Pakistan must immediately send our pilot back, says India As of 2017, Pakistan air force had 141 F-7 combat jets, 37 F-16a/c jets, 40 JF-17 jets and 69 Mirage 999 ep jets. It also had 90 Mirages 5-EF fighter jets. Besides these, Pakistan has ordered around 60 j-f-17 jets. The country also has two falcons 20/200, 4 king air 350, 4 Saab special mission jets and 4 II-78 tankers. The Indian air force, in comparison, has 117 Jaguar M/S combat aircraft, 262 MiG-21 fighter jets, 79 MiG-27, 66 MiG-29, 44 Mirage 2000 h, 162 Su-30MKI and one Tejas LCA fighter jets. India has placed orders for nearly 144 T-50 Sukhoi fighter jets and 36 Rafale fighter jets. India also has one 707, 2 g-100 Astra, 3 Gulfstream III special mission jets and 7 II-78 tankers. However, size is just one side of the story when it comes to comparing the capabilities of air forces. It's one thing to have more and superior jets, which India clearly has. But conflicts in the present-day run the risk of turning nuclear. And both India and Pakistan are nuclear powers. India has nine types of operational missiles, including the long-range Agni-3 missile. Agni's range is between 3000-5000 kilometres. In comparison, Pakistan's missiles are short to medium range missiles which can reach up to 2000 kilometres. Pakistan has 140-150 nuclear warheads while India has 130-140 such warheads. India's defence budget is five times that of Pakistan's and with this year's high allocation, India will have more to build its arsenal. But, the presence of old fighter jets which are retiring soon and the ability to replace them in time have bogged India down while Pakistan air force has modernised its inventory in the meantime. India though remains a superior power in terms of its air force, but time is running out. Indian air force needs an upgrade. The recent incidents only serve to highlight this aspect. Pakistan army on Wednesday violated ceasefire for the fourth consecutive day in Kashmir's Rajouri district.

Indo-Pak standoff: A look at how India's air force compares with Pakistan's

Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday sent out an advisory cautioning against phone calls by people impersonating as senior officers and asking for details on the security situation in the state.

The advisory was circulated to all police officers, the state bureaucracy as well as panchayat heads and others.

Officials said the advisory was issued on the request of the Army, which has been apprehensive about details of troop mobilisation and movement of weaponry in villages located along the International Border and the Line of Control being leaked.

More than 10 reports have come in over the last 10 days about “police, civil officers as well as some civilians” receiving phone calls from suspicious unknown numbers, the advisory says.

The callers impersonated as senior army officers, senior police officers, senior civil administration officers and “tried to inquire about some security-related issues”, it states.

“During an investigation by experts, it has been found that these calls are rooted from outside the country through a specialised software due to which some other phone numbers, mostly starting with +91 code, are displayed on the mobile screen,” it says. It asks people not to entertain such calls and immediately bring the matter to the notice of the local police.

Investigations showed the calls were made from outside India, officials said. “Some anti-national elements are trying to get some vital information by fooling the people,” an official said.

The state has been on edge since February 14 when a suicide bomber attacked a CRPF convoy in Pulwama, killing 40 soldiers. On February 26, India struck a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Pakistan. The next day, tensions escalated with an Indian pilot being captured by Pakistan as both countries claimed to have down each other’s aircraft.

Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday sent out an advisory cautioning against phone calls by people impersonating as senior officers and asking for details on the security situation in the state.

Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday sent out an advisory cautioning against phone calls by people impersonating as senior officers and asking for details on the security situation in the state. The advisory was circulated to all police officers, the state bureaucracy as well as panchayat heads and others. Officials said the advisory was issued on the request of the Army, which has been apprehensive about details of troop mobilisation and movement of weaponry in villages located along the International Border and the Line of Control being leaked. More than 10 reports have come in over the last 10 days about “police, civil officers as well as some civilians” receiving phone calls from suspicious unknown numbers, the advisory says. The callers impersonated as senior army officers, senior police officers, senior civil administration officers and “tried to inquire about some security-related issues”, it states. “During an investigation by experts, it has been found that these calls are rooted from outside the country through a specialised software due to which some other phone numbers, mostly starting with +91 code, are displayed on the mobile screen,” it says. It asks people not to entertain such calls and immediately bring the matter to the notice of the local police. Investigations showed the calls were made from outside India, officials said. “Some anti-national elements are trying to get some vital information by fooling the people,” an official said. The state has been on edge since February 14 when a suicide bomber attacked a CRPF convoy in Pulwama, killing 40 soldiers. On February 26, India struck a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Pakistan. The next day, tensions escalated with an Indian pilot being captured by Pakistan as both countries claimed to have down each other’s aircraft.

J&K Police issues advisory on fake calls asking for details on security situation

In the backdrop of Pakistan’s intrusion into <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-standoff-us-supports-indias-airstrikes-on-jem-terror-camp-and-other-developments-200164">the Indian air space on Wednesday</a>, the Indian Army has decided to shift the headquarters of Mountain Strike Corps from Ranchi to Panagarh in West Bengal to keep a close watch on China.

The XVII Mountain Strike Corps also known as the Brahmastra Corps is a China-specific Strike Corps considering its location having a close proximity with China.&nbsp;The creation of the Corps was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security in 2013 and was to have close to 90,000 troops. But, the work to raise the Mountain Strike Corps slowed due to fund constraints.

However, the headquarters of the Mountain Strike Corps is being shifted from Ranchi to its original place – Panagarh in West Bengal to keep a watch on Pakistan’s ally: China and strengthen the North-Eastern borders in the present day scenario.

On Wednesday, the Eastern Army Commander General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Lieutenant General MM Naravane visited and met the General Officer Commanding (Brahmastra Corps) Lt Gen P. N. Rao.

He checked the operational preparedness and took stock of the situation at Panagarh.

“Eastern Command Army commander visited Panagarh Military Station on Wednesday. He was received by Lieutenant General P N Rao, GOC, Brahmastra Corps. The Corps which was raised at Ranchi will shortly be shifting to Panagarh. The Army Commander reviewed the security situation and operational preparedness of the formation. He emphasised the need for remaining ready at all times to meet the emerging security challenges. The GOC-in-C also interacted with the troops and appreciated their continued efforts in developing the military station,"&nbsp;said a statement from the Eastern Command.

The country’s first Mountain Strike Corps has several infantry and armoured battalions, artillery and aviation wing. The unit at Panagarh, has a team of Special Forces skilled in para-dropping and lifting. They can be deployed in a war-like situation in the dark without the enemy getting to know of it.

Significantly, the Panagarh Air Force Station houses the second squadron of the C-130J Super Hercules after the Hindon Air Base. It would take less than 60 minutes to reach the Chinese border or the LAC when airborne from the Panagarh AFS.

The C-130J can land on unpaved surfaces, short airstrips, advanced landing grounds (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh like Tuting, Mechuka, Ziro, Aalo, Pasighat, Walong, Tawang and Vijaynagar closer to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with troops and materials. &nbsp;

It can also para-drop special forces - known for their speed and stealth -&nbsp;and move faster with equipment and good and return to the base quickly to dispatch the next team.

In the backdrop of Pakistan’s intrusion into the Indian air space on Wednesday, the Indian Army has decided to shift the headquarters of Mountain Strike Corps from Ranchi to Panagarh in West Bengal to keep a close watch on China.

In the backdrop of Pakistan’s intrusion into the Indian air space on Wednesday, the Indian Army has decided to shift the headquarters of Mountain Strike Corps from Ranchi to Panagarh in West Bengal to keep a close watch on China. The XVII Mountain Strike Corps also known as the Brahmastra Corps is a China-specific Strike Corps considering its location having a close proximity with China. The creation of the Corps was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security in 2013 and was to have close to 90,000 troops. But, the work to raise the Mountain Strike Corps slowed due to fund constraints. However, the headquarters of the Mountain Strike Corps is being shifted from Ranchi to its original place – Panagarh in West Bengal to keep a watch on Pakistan’s ally: China and strengthen the North-Eastern borders in the present day scenario. On Wednesday, the Eastern Army Commander General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Lieutenant General MM Naravane visited and met the General Officer Commanding (Brahmastra Corps) Lt Gen P. N. Rao. He checked the operational preparedness and took stock of the situation at Panagarh. “Eastern Command Army commander visited Panagarh Military Station on Wednesday. He was received by Lieutenant General P N Rao, GOC, Brahmastra Corps. The Corps which was raised at Ranchi will shortly be shifting to Panagarh. The Army Commander reviewed the security situation and operational preparedness of the formation. He emphasised the need for remaining ready at all times to meet the emerging security challenges. The GOC-in-C also interacted with the troops and appreciated their continued efforts in developing the military station," said a statement from the Eastern Command. The country’s first Mountain Strike Corps has several infantry and armoured battalions, artillery and aviation wing. The unit at Panagarh, has a team of Special Forces skilled in para-dropping and lifting. They can be deployed in a war-like situation in the dark without the enemy getting to know of it. Significantly, the Panagarh Air Force Station houses the second squadron of the C-130J Super Hercules after the Hindon Air Base. It would take less than 60 minutes to reach the Chinese border or the LAC when airborne from the Panagarh AFS. The C-130J can land on unpaved surfaces, short airstrips, advanced landing grounds (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh like Tuting, Mechuka, Ziro, Aalo, Pasighat, Walong, Tawang and Vijaynagar closer to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with troops and materials. It can also para-drop special forces - known for their speed and stealth - and move faster with equipment and good and return to the base quickly to dispatch the next team.

To keep eye on China, Indian Army shifts Mountain Strike Corps’ headquarters from Jharkhand to West Bengal

The Pakistani Army Thursday heavily shelled forward posts along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts, committing repeated ceasefire violations but drawing "strong" retaliation from the Indian Army, an official said.

This is the seventh consecutive day that Pakistan breached the ceasefire, targeting forward posts along the LoC.

There have been fresh ceasefire violations in Nowshera and Krishna Ghati sectors, officials said.

They committed three ceasefire violations during the day, officials added.

"At about 2.14 pm, the Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked mortar shelling and small arms firing along the LoC in Nowshera sector in Rajouri, violating the ceasefire," the Defence PRO said.

They violated the ceasefire earlier at about 1 pm, resorting to unprovoked shelling and firing along the LoC in Krishna Ghati sector, he said.

"The Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively," he added.

The Pakistani army began breaching ceasefire since early morning, resorting to unprovoked shelling and firing in the Krishna Ghati sector, he said, adding the pre-dawn shelling bout ended at 6 am.

In view of the prevailing situation, authorities have ordered temporary closure of educational institutions, located up to five kms from the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts.

They have asked border village residents to stay inside their homes and not to move outside amid the shelling.

The year 2018 witnessed the highest number of ceasefire violations, numbering 2,936 by Pakistani troops, in the last 15 years along the Indo-Pak border.

Pakistan continues to violate the 2003 ceasefire agreement with India despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the pact during flag meetings between the two sides.

The Pakistani Army Thursday heavily shelled forward posts along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts, committing repeated ceasefire violations but drawing "strong" retaliation from the Indian Army, an official said.

The Pakistani Army Thursday heavily shelled forward posts along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts, committing repeated ceasefire violations but drawing "strong" retaliation from the Indian Army, an official said. This is the seventh consecutive day that Pakistan breached the ceasefire, targeting forward posts along the LoC. There have been fresh ceasefire violations in Nowshera and Krishna Ghati sectors, officials said. They committed three ceasefire violations during the day, officials added. "At about 2.14 pm, the Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked mortar shelling and small arms firing along the LoC in Nowshera sector in Rajouri, violating the ceasefire," the Defence PRO said. They violated the ceasefire earlier at about 1 pm, resorting to unprovoked shelling and firing along the LoC in Krishna Ghati sector, he said. "The Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively," he added. The Pakistani army began breaching ceasefire since early morning, resorting to unprovoked shelling and firing in the Krishna Ghati sector, he said, adding the pre-dawn shelling bout ended at 6 am. In view of the prevailing situation, authorities have ordered temporary closure of educational institutions, located up to five kms from the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts. They have asked border village residents to stay inside their homes and not to move outside amid the shelling. The year 2018 witnessed the highest number of ceasefire violations, numbering 2,936 by Pakistani troops, in the last 15 years along the Indo-Pak border. Pakistan continues to violate the 2003 ceasefire agreement with India despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the pact during flag meetings between the two sides.

Pakistan resorts to ceasefire violation on seventh consecutive day, fires mortars in Poonch

India has categorically said that the government will not allow Pakistan to change the mood of the nation, asking for the immediate release of the pilot who is in Pakistan's custody since Wednesday. The pilot was captured after his MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft, which was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-too-capable-of-operation-similar-to-us-action-against-osama-in-abbotabad-arun-jaitley-200163">pushing away Pakistani fighter jets</a> from Indian airspace, crashed into Pakistani territory.

"We will not allow a Kandahar this time," government sources said. "If they think they will hold us hostage with our captured defence personnel, this won't happen,"&nbsp; the sources added.

The statement assumes significance because India had to release Masood Azhar, the chief of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), after the IC-814 Indian Airlines flight was hijacked in 1999. The plane was taken from Kathmandu to Kandahar in Afghanistan. Azhar and other terrorists were released in exchange of 179 passengers and 11 crew members. The attack was reportedly planned and executed by Azhar's brother-in-law Yousuf Azhar, who India said was killed in the air strike by Indian Air Force's fighter jets on JeM camp in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792">Pakistan's Balakot</a> on Tuesday.

"India wants Pakistan to immediately send back the Air Force personnel; New Delhi is not demanding consular access. We won't be negotiating any deal with Pakistan on him," the sources said.

New Delhi has given two strong demarches to Islamabad on the custody of its defence personnel and called for his humane treatment along with the immediate and early release.

Accusing Pakistan of creating a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-proud-of-its-armed-forces-and-stands-by-them-says-modi-200221">war hysteria</a>, sources said the government on Wednesday handed over to Pakistan a dossier on specific details of involvement of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in the Pulwama terror attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as also the presence of camps of the UN-proscribed terror outfit in that country.

The sources also said that four of the P5 countries - the permanent members of the UN Security Council - are firmly with India. The only exception is China. "China has taken an ambiguous position. We will make every effort to convince China. Other major countries also trying to convince China," the sources said.

The US, the UK and France have formally proposed listing of Masood Azhar, the chief of JeM, under the UN Security Council's terror list. India is lobbying with all 15 members of the UNSC.

Lashing out at Pakistan for sending its fighter jets in Indian airspace, the sources said that Pakistan Air Force specifically targeted Indian military facilities while the Indian jets only targeted the JeM terror camp.

The defence ministry officials had earlier said that the Indian Air Force pilot was ill-treated by the Pakistan Army in violation of the Geneva convention.

Service chiefs of the Navy, Army and Air Force will meet Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at 5pm today to discuss the strategy going forward.

India has made it clear that its focus is counter-terror, and New Delhi's strikes on UN-listed terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) camps in Balakot, Pakistan, on Tuesday was to send across a message to Pakistan. In Indian strikes, no civilians or Pakistani military installations were targeted.

India has categorically said that the government will not allow Pakistan to change the mood of the nation, asking for the immediate release of the pilot who is in Pakistan's custody since Wednesday.

India has categorically said that the government will not allow Pakistan to change the mood of the nation, asking for the immediate release of the pilot who is in Pakistan's custody since Wednesday. The pilot was captured after his MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft, which was pushing away Pakistani fighter jets from Indian airspace, crashed into Pakistani territory. "We will not allow a Kandahar this time," government sources said. "If they think they will hold us hostage with our captured defence personnel, this won't happen," the sources added. The statement assumes significance because India had to release Masood Azhar, the chief of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), after the IC-814 Indian Airlines flight was hijacked in 1999. The plane was taken from Kathmandu to Kandahar in Afghanistan. Azhar and other terrorists were released in exchange of 179 passengers and 11 crew members. The attack was reportedly planned and executed by Azhar's brother-in-law Yousuf Azhar, who India said was killed in the air strike by Indian Air Force's fighter jets on JeM camp in Pakistan's Balakot on Tuesday. "India wants Pakistan to immediately send back the Air Force personnel; New Delhi is not demanding consular access. We won't be negotiating any deal with Pakistan on him," the sources said. New Delhi has given two strong demarches to Islamabad on the custody of its defence personnel and called for his humane treatment along with the immediate and early release. Accusing Pakistan of creating a war hysteria, sources said the government on Wednesday handed over to Pakistan a dossier on specific details of involvement of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in the Pulwama terror attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as also the presence of camps of the UN-proscribed terror outfit in that country. The sources also said that four of the P5 countries - the permanent members of the UN Security Council - are firmly with India. The only exception is China. "China has taken an ambiguous position. We will make every effort to convince China. Other major countries also trying to convince China," the sources said. The US, the UK and France have formally proposed listing of Masood Azhar, the chief of JeM, under the UN Security Council's terror list. India is lobbying with all 15 members of the UNSC. Lashing out at Pakistan for sending its fighter jets in Indian airspace, the sources said that Pakistan Air Force specifically targeted Indian military facilities while the Indian jets only targeted the JeM terror camp. The defence ministry officials had earlier said that the Indian Air Force pilot was ill-treated by the Pakistan Army in violation of the Geneva convention. Service chiefs of the Navy, Army and Air Force will meet Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at 5pm today to discuss the strategy going forward. India has made it clear that its focus is counter-terror, and New Delhi's strikes on UN-listed terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) camps in Balakot, Pakistan, on Tuesday was to send across a message to Pakistan. In Indian strikes, no civilians or Pakistani military installations were targeted.

Won't allow a Kandahar this time, Pakistan must immediately send our pilot back, says India

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Won't allow a Kandahar this time, Pakistan must immediately send our pilot back, says India