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Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and acting Defence Secretary of the United States Patrick M Shanahan has discussed bilateral ties between the two countries in a telephonic conversation, said Defence sources. According to the Defence sources, the discussion between the two leaders took place a couple of days ago.

Shanahan, who was earlier holding the office of the Deputy Secretary of Defence, took charge as Acting US Secretary of Defence from January 1.

Recently in the second week of January, a 2+2 Inter-Sessional meeting was held between the US and India, focusing on the progress of defence and foreign policy issues between the two countries.

The Indian delegation was led jointly by Joint Secretary (AMS) from the Ministry of External Affairs Gourangalal Das, and Joint Secretary (PIC) from the Ministry of Defence, Shambhu S Kumaran.

The US delegation was led jointly by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Alice Wells and Assistant Secretary of Defence Randall Schriver.

The Inter-Sessional meeting was set up to follow up on the decisions taken during the India-US Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue, the first round of which was held in New Delhi in September 2018, and to make continued progress on bilateral cooperation on cross-cutting defence and foreign policy issues of interest to both sides.

Both India and the US also exchanged views on regional developments as partners and stakeholders for a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and acting Defence Secretary of the United States Patrick M Shanahan has discussed bilateral ties between the two countries in a telephonic conversation, said Defence sources.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and acting Defence Secretary of the United States Patrick M Shanahan has discussed bilateral ties between the two countries in a telephonic conversation, said Defence sources. According to the Defence sources, the discussion between the two leaders took place a couple of days ago. Shanahan, who was earlier holding the office of the Deputy Secretary of Defence, took charge as Acting US Secretary of Defence from January 1. Recently in the second week of January, a 2+2 Inter-Sessional meeting was held between the US and India, focusing on the progress of defence and foreign policy issues between the two countries. The Indian delegation was led jointly by Joint Secretary (AMS) from the Ministry of External Affairs Gourangalal Das, and Joint Secretary (PIC) from the Ministry of Defence, Shambhu S Kumaran. The US delegation was led jointly by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Alice Wells and Assistant Secretary of Defence Randall Schriver. The Inter-Sessional meeting was set up to follow up on the decisions taken during the India-US Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue, the first round of which was held in New Delhi in September 2018, and to make continued progress on bilateral cooperation on cross-cutting defence and foreign policy issues of interest to both sides. Both India and the US also exchanged views on regional developments as partners and stakeholders for a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Sitharaman, US Acting Defence Minister discuss bilateral ties over phone: Report

Budget 2019: P. Chidambaram speaks on Interim Budget

WION CHAT: Discussion after the presentation of Interim Budget 2019

Budget 2019: Amit Shah hails Budget; met expectations of farmers

After the government presented its final Budget,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2019-no-income-tax-for-annual-income-upto-rs-5-lakh-says-piyush-goyal-194324"> PM </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2019-no-income-tax-for-annual-income-upto-rs-5-lakh-says-piyush-goyal-194324">Modi</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2019-no-income-tax-for-annual-income-upto-rs-5-lakh-says-piyush-goyal-194324"> while addressing the n</a>ation said the Budget will bring positive changes in the country.

"Various government schemes will help the marginalised section of society," the prime minister asserted, adding,"it will bring down the poverty level in the country."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-takeaways-from-union-budget-2019-194331">Also Read: Big takeaways from Union Budget 2019</a>

PM Modi said the economy <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/live-updates-union-budget-2019-194198">will run at a renewed pace after </a>the Budget. He said the middle class will stand to gain due to the present Budget.

"Middle class dreams have been fueled by the Budget," he said. "It's generosity and honesty of middle class and upper middle class which provides tax to the nation through which schemes are formulated and there is welfare of poor," he added.&nbsp;

Piyush Goel had announced major tax incentive for the middle class with individuals with an annual income of up to Rs 2.5 lakh (age below 60 years) being exempted from paying tax. The Modi government also announced tax relief for the middle-income group by raising the tax exemption limit from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh.

The finance minister also raised standard deduction from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000. &nbsp;"There was always demand to exempt those, with annual income upto Rs 5 Lakh, from taxation. Our government has fulfilled it," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

The prime minister said historic steps have been taken for farmers. The government had announced Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme under which Rs 6,000 per year would be transferred to each farmer in three instalments directly to his bank account. It is applicable for those farmers who have less than two hectares land.

"Poverty has almost been wiped out," the PM said. "From middle class to labourers, from farmers’ growth to the development of businessmen, from manufacturing to MSME sector, from the growth of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2019-rs-64587-crore-budgetary-support-for-railways-in-2019-20-says-goyal-194329">economy to development of New India</a>, everyone has been taken care of in this interim Budget," the prime minister asserted.

"This is an interim Budget. This is just a trailer of the Budget which, after elections, will take India on the path to development," he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After the government presented its final Budget, PM Modi while addressing the nation said the Budget will bring positive changes in the country. "Various government schemes will help the marginalised section of society," the prime minister asserted, adding,"it will bring down the poverty level in the country.

After the government presented its final Budget, PM Modi while addressing the nation said the Budget will bring positive changes in the country. "Various government schemes will help the marginalised section of society," the prime minister asserted, adding,"it will bring down the poverty level in the country." Also Read: Big takeaways from Union Budget 2019 PM Modi said the economy will run at a renewed pace after the Budget. He said the middle class will stand to gain due to the present Budget. "Middle class dreams have been fueled by the Budget," he said. "It's generosity and honesty of middle class and upper middle class which provides tax to the nation through which schemes are formulated and there is welfare of poor," he added. Piyush Goel had announced major tax incentive for the middle class with individuals with an annual income of up to Rs 2.5 lakh (age below 60 years) being exempted from paying tax. The Modi government also announced tax relief for the middle-income group by raising the tax exemption limit from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh. The finance minister also raised standard deduction from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000. "There was always demand to exempt those, with annual income upto Rs 5 Lakh, from taxation. Our government has fulfilled it," PM Modi said. The prime minister said historic steps have been taken for farmers. The government had announced Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme under which Rs 6,000 per year would be transferred to each farmer in three instalments directly to his bank account. It is applicable for those farmers who have less than two hectares land. "Poverty has almost been wiped out," the PM said. "From middle class to labourers, from farmers’ growth to the development of businessmen, from manufacturing to MSME sector, from the growth of the economy to development of New India, everyone has been taken care of in this interim Budget," the prime minister asserted. "This is an interim Budget. This is just a trailer of the Budget which, after elections, will take India on the path to development," he said.

Budget will take India on path to development: PM Modi

With heavy snowfall, this season, winter sports activities have kicked-off in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, where adventure lovers from across the globe have arrived for skiing and snowboarding.&nbsp;

Surrounded by the western Himalayas, Gulmarg is dotted with skiers from across the globe. The place has been called the "Heartland of winter sports" by Indian media.&nbsp;

The government of India has already invested 420,000 US dollars to transform Gulmarg into a world-class ski destination.&nbsp;

Slopes at Gulmarg are made for experienced as well as those who are new to the sport of skiing.&nbsp;
<img alt="Winter sports activities in J&amp;K. " data-caption="&lt;strong&gt;Winter sports activities in J&amp;amp;K. (Photo by- Ieshan Wani, J&amp;amp;K Correspondent, WION)&lt;/strong&gt;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="562b573a-15f5-4b2d-b4a7-a81c33501943" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Winter%20sports.jpg" />
Around forty thousand tourists have already visited this destination, mainly for skiing and snowboarding and this has got tourism players all excited after dry summer.&nbsp;

Ranked Asia's seventh best ski destinations ski lovers from Russia, Australia and New Zealand are the frequent visitors.&nbsp;

"It's fantastic to ski in Kashmir. Snow quality is absolutely amazing particularly this season, this is some of the best I have seen in my life. I have been here for 9 years and this is the best," said John, a skier from Hungary.&nbsp;
<img alt="Winter sports activities in J&amp;K." data-caption="&lt;strong&gt;Winter sports activities in J&amp;amp;K. (Photo by- Ieshan Wani, J&amp;amp;K Correspondent, WION)&lt;/strong&gt;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9bdabd17-753f-4c41-98a7-d077022ad04c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Winter%20sports%20activities%20in%20J%26K.jpg" />
Winter is also considered a perfect time for a vacation in Gulmarg where the temperature&nbsp;can dip up to -15 degrees Celsius. The institute set up by the Government here trains young ski enthusiasts on gentle slopes where you can rent a pair with an instructor and get going.&nbsp;

"This season we have received good snow but we need more infrastructure from the Government of India so that people from valley can participate at International level competitions," says Shafat, a young Ski instructor.&nbsp;

Now the tourism department is eyeing to hold international competitions in the state by developing the new slopes and a proposal has already been cleared by the Government of India.&nbsp;

With heavy snowfall, this season, winter sports activities have kicked-off in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, where adventure lovers from across the globe have arrived for skiing and snowboarding.

With heavy snowfall, this season, winter sports activities have kicked-off in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, where adventure lovers from across the globe have arrived for skiing and snowboarding. Surrounded by the western Himalayas, Gulmarg is dotted with skiers from across the globe. The place has been called the "Heartland of winter sports" by Indian media. The government of India has already invested 420,000 US dollars to transform Gulmarg into a world-class ski destination. Slopes at Gulmarg are made for experienced as well as those who are new to the sport of skiing. Around forty thousand tourists have already visited this destination, mainly for skiing and snowboarding and this has got tourism players all excited after dry summer. Ranked Asia's seventh best ski destinations ski lovers from Russia, Australia and New Zealand are the frequent visitors. "It's fantastic to ski in Kashmir. Snow quality is absolutely amazing particularly this season, this is some of the best I have seen in my life. I have been here for 9 years and this is the best," said John, a skier from Hungary. Winter is also considered a perfect time for a vacation in Gulmarg where the temperature can dip up to -15 degrees Celsius. The institute set up by the Government here trains young ski enthusiasts on gentle slopes where you can rent a pair with an instructor and get going. "This season we have received good snow but we need more infrastructure from the Government of India so that people from valley can participate at International level competitions," says Shafat, a young Ski instructor. Now the tourism department is eyeing to hold international competitions in the state by developing the new slopes and a proposal has already been cleared by the Government of India.

India's 'winter heartland' Gulmarg abuzz with skiers and snowboarders

Fighter jet crashes in India's Bengaluru, two pilots dead

A 25-year-old woman in Jammu and Kashmir was shot dead at point-blank range by terrorists, who made a video of the incident and circulated it on social media, police said Friday.

Jammu and Kashmir police have identified the girl as Ishrat Muneer, daughter of Muneer Ahmad Dar, a resident of Dangerpora village in Pulwama district.&nbsp;

The woman was shot from a point-blank range by the terrorists even as she begged for mercy. The murder video is being circulated on social media and has gone viral.

Police said that the body of the woman was recovered from Dragad area of Zainapora in Shopian district in the morning following searches.&nbsp;

"Terrorists while perpetrating this gruesome act, made a video recording of the incident and circulated it on social media", police said in a press release.&nbsp;

Terrorists have also released a 10-second video of her brutal killing which has gone viral on social media.&nbsp;

Local sources told WION that the girl was the maternal cousin of terrorist Zeenat-ul-Islam, who was killed in a gunfight with security forces last month in Kulgam district.&nbsp;

Following the killing, police have registered a case and launched an investigation in the matter.&nbsp;

Police sources have told WION that "police investigation is focused on some credible leads and it is expected soon the culprits shall be brought before the law."

A 25-year-old woman in Jammu and Kashmir was shot dead at point-blank range by terrorists, who made a video of the incident and circulated it on social media, police said Friday.

A 25-year-old woman in Jammu and Kashmir was shot dead at point-blank range by terrorists, who made a video of the incident and circulated it on social media, police said Friday. Jammu and Kashmir police have identified the girl as Ishrat Muneer, daughter of Muneer Ahmad Dar, a resident of Dangerpora village in Pulwama district. The woman was shot from a point-blank range by the terrorists even as she begged for mercy. The murder video is being circulated on social media and has gone viral. Police said that the body of the woman was recovered from Dragad area of Zainapora in Shopian district in the morning following searches. "Terrorists while perpetrating this gruesome act, made a video recording of the incident and circulated it on social media", police said in a press release. Terrorists have also released a 10-second video of her brutal killing which has gone viral on social media. Local sources told WION that the girl was the maternal cousin of terrorist Zeenat-ul-Islam, who was killed in a gunfight with security forces last month in Kulgam district. Following the killing, police have registered a case and launched an investigation in the matter. Police sources have told WION that "police investigation is focused on some credible leads and it is expected soon the culprits shall be brought before the law."

Terrorists brutally kill woman in J&K's Shopian, murder video goes viral

Finance Minister Piyush Goyal today presented the final Budget of Narendra Modi government's current tenure. This was an interim Budget, keeping in view the elections which are just months away.

The Budget was focussed on farmers and unorganised sectors for which Goyal announced a number of schemes. Here are the big takeaways from this year's Budget:

No tax for income upto Rs 5 lakh: Piyush Goyal proposed that individuals earning up to Rs 5 lakh would get a full tax rebate for this fiscal. &nbsp;Since this is a rebate and not a slab change, it will not impact the tax incidence of those with larger incomes.

The Finance Minister also said, "Individuals with gross income up to Rs&nbsp;6.5 lakh will not need to pay any tax if they make investments in provident funds and prescribed equities." Standard deduction too has been increased to Rs 50,000 from the current level of Rs 40,000.

Assured farmer income: Piyush Goyal announced in his Budget speech that the government has decided to provide Rs 6000 per income support to farmers who hold less than two hectares of land. The amounts, Goyal said, will be provided under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi in three instalments. "The scheme will benefit 12 crore families and cost government Rs 75,000 crore per year," Goyal said.

Pension for 10 crore labourers: Goyal also announced a pension scheme for the unorganised sector. "A pension scheme is being launched called Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan, to provide assured monthly pension of Rs 3000 per month, with the contribution of Rs 100 per month, for workers in unorganised sector after 60 years of age," he said in his Budget speech today.

Highest ever defence budget: The government also showcased its resolve towards the defence forces by enhancing the defence budget beyond Rs 3 lakh crore, the highest in any year so far. "Our soldiers protect the country on the borders and they are our pride. We have allocated more than Rs 3 lakh crore in this budget for securing our borders, which is the highest so far. If necessary, additional funds would be provided," he said presenting the Interim Budget for 2019-20.

One lakh digital villages: Goyal said that mobile data usage in India has increased by a phenomenal 50 per cent within no time and the cost of data and voice calls in the country are now possibly the lowest in the world. "We aim to have one lakh digital villages in the next five years," he added.

Power for all by March 2019: Highlighting the government's focus on providing power to all, the finance minister said 2.5 crore families were without electricity in 2014 and that the government has provided power to almost all families. "Through Saubhagya scheme, every village in India has been connected to electricity and by March 2019, all families will get electricity," Goyal said.

Finance Minister Piyush Goyal today presented the final Budget of Narendra Modi government's current tenure. This was an interim Budget, keeping in view the elections which are just months away.

Finance Minister Piyush Goyal today presented the final Budget of Narendra Modi government's current tenure. This was an interim Budget, keeping in view the elections which are just months away. The Budget was focussed on farmers and unorganised sectors for which Goyal announced a number of schemes. Here are the big takeaways from this year's Budget: No tax for income upto Rs 5 lakh: Piyush Goyal proposed that individuals earning up to Rs 5 lakh would get a full tax rebate for this fiscal. Since this is a rebate and not a slab change, it will not impact the tax incidence of those with larger incomes. The Finance Minister also said, "Individuals with gross income up to Rs 6.5 lakh will not need to pay any tax if they make investments in provident funds and prescribed equities." Standard deduction too has been increased to Rs 50,000 from the current level of Rs 40,000. Assured farmer income: Piyush Goyal announced in his Budget speech that the government has decided to provide Rs 6000 per income support to farmers who hold less than two hectares of land. The amounts, Goyal said, will be provided under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi in three instalments. "The scheme will benefit 12 crore families and cost government Rs 75,000 crore per year," Goyal said. Pension for 10 crore labourers: Goyal also announced a pension scheme for the unorganised sector. "A pension scheme is being launched called Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan, to provide assured monthly pension of Rs 3000 per month, with the contribution of Rs 100 per month, for workers in unorganised sector after 60 years of age," he said in his Budget speech today. Highest ever defence budget: The government also showcased its resolve towards the defence forces by enhancing the defence budget beyond Rs 3 lakh crore, the highest in any year so far. "Our soldiers protect the country on the borders and they are our pride. We have allocated more than Rs 3 lakh crore in this budget for securing our borders, which is the highest so far. If necessary, additional funds would be provided," he said presenting the Interim Budget for 2019-20. One lakh digital villages: Goyal said that mobile data usage in India has increased by a phenomenal 50 per cent within no time and the cost of data and voice calls in the country are now possibly the lowest in the world. "We aim to have one lakh digital villages in the next five years," he added. Power for all by March 2019: Highlighting the government's focus on providing power to all, the finance minister said 2.5 crore families were without electricity in 2014 and that the government has provided power to almost all families. "Through Saubhagya scheme, every village in India has been connected to electricity and by March 2019, all families will get electricity," Goyal said.

Big takeaways from Union Budget 2019

The Supreme Court Friday sought a response from the CBI on a plea of its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-dsp-a-k-bassi-challenges-his-transfer-moves-to-supreme-court-191791">Deputy Superintendent of Police A K Bassi challenging his transfer to Port Blair</a>.

A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna issued a notice to the agency and sought its response in six weeks.

Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for Bassi, said this is the case which raises the question on the governance of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). 
&nbsp; 
He said this matter will also affect the purity of investigation.&nbsp;

On January 21, Bassi had moved the apex court challenging his transfer, saying it was vitiated by mala fide and would prejudice the probe against former CBI special director Rakesh Asthana.

He has challenged the transfer order issued on January 11. It is violative of the directions issued by the top court in its judgment on the plea of the former CBI director Alok Kumar Verma, Bassi had said. 
&nbsp; 
Bassi, who was the investigating officer in the corruption case against Asthana, had said he is being "victimised by the present interim CBI Director - M Nageswara Rao, who represents certain elements within the CBI, who did not want the Petitioner herein to conduct a free and fair investigation in the Asthana FIR".

He had said it was Rao, who had passed the order dated October 24, 2018, transferring him to Port Blair and it is the same person at whose behest he is being sent to Andaman and Nicobar Islands again in utter disregard to the judgment of this court in the case of former CBI director Alok Verma.

Verma, however, was diverted from his duties as CBI director by the high powered selection committee and transferred as Director General Fire Service.

Bassi had said there are apprehensions that the transfer order is the first step to implicate him either in a false criminal case or in departmental proceedings for discharging his duties in a fair and impartial manner in the investigation of the FIR pertaining to Asthana.&nbsp;

He said this is not a routine case of a transfer of an officer. In his application in the Verma case, he had submitted that his transfer is pursuant to a deep-rooted conspiracy, aimed at influencing the course of the investigation against Asthana and further to penalise him for discharging his duties in a free and impartial manner in the case.&nbsp;

Subsequent to the January 8 verdict in the Verma case, he had made a representation to the then CBI director (Alok Verma) on January 9, which was allowed and then he was transferred back to Delhi and assigned to his duties of DSP, CBI, AC-III, New Delhi, Bassi had said.

"Once the said representation was accepted and the Petitioner herein was transferred back to Delhi, it was not open for the impugned order to summarily, without application of mind and without any stated reason, simpliciter revoke the said transfer order dated January 9, 2019 by a generic order terming the earlier order as "non-est"," the plea had said.&nbsp;

On January 8, the apex court had asked the CBI officers including Bassi, who were transferred overnight to various places after the Centre's decision to divest the probe agency's Director Alok Verma of his powers, to approach appropriate forum assailing their transfers.&nbsp;

Bassi had said he was never a part of any "group or faction" within the CBI and has no concern whatsoever with the alleged disputes that have erupted within the CBI.&nbsp;

He had said he does not claim or content or seek any vested right to be a part of any investigation team that is investigating into the FIR related to Asthana or any other case investigated by CBI.

The Supreme Court Friday sought a response from the CBI on a plea of its Deputy Superintendent of Police A K Bassi challenging his transfer to Port Blair. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna issued a notice to the agency and sought its response in six weeks.

The Supreme Court Friday sought a response from the CBI on a plea of its Deputy Superintendent of Police A K Bassi challenging his transfer to Port Blair. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna issued a notice to the agency and sought its response in six weeks. Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for Bassi, said this is the case which raises the question on the governance of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He said this matter will also affect the purity of investigation. On January 21, Bassi had moved the apex court challenging his transfer, saying it was vitiated by mala fide and would prejudice the probe against former CBI special director Rakesh Asthana. He has challenged the transfer order issued on January 11. It is violative of the directions issued by the top court in its judgment on the plea of the former CBI director Alok Kumar Verma, Bassi had said. Bassi, who was the investigating officer in the corruption case against Asthana, had said he is being "victimised by the present interim CBI Director - M Nageswara Rao, who represents certain elements within the CBI, who did not want the Petitioner herein to conduct a free and fair investigation in the Asthana FIR". He had said it was Rao, who had passed the order dated October 24, 2018, transferring him to Port Blair and it is the same person at whose behest he is being sent to Andaman and Nicobar Islands again in utter disregard to the judgment of this court in the case of former CBI director Alok Verma. Verma, however, was diverted from his duties as CBI director by the high powered selection committee and transferred as Director General Fire Service. Bassi had said there are apprehensions that the transfer order is the first step to implicate him either in a false criminal case or in departmental proceedings for discharging his duties in a fair and impartial manner in the investigation of the FIR pertaining to Asthana. He said this is not a routine case of a transfer of an officer. In his application in the Verma case, he had submitted that his transfer is pursuant to a deep-rooted conspiracy, aimed at influencing the course of the investigation against Asthana and further to penalise him for discharging his duties in a free and impartial manner in the case. Subsequent to the January 8 verdict in the Verma case, he had made a representation to the then CBI director (Alok Verma) on January 9, which was allowed and then he was transferred back to Delhi and assigned to his duties of DSP, CBI, AC-III, New Delhi, Bassi had said. "Once the said representation was accepted and the Petitioner herein was transferred back to Delhi, it was not open for the impugned order to summarily, without application of mind and without any stated reason, simpliciter revoke the said transfer order dated January 9, 2019 by a generic order terming the earlier order as "non-est"," the plea had said. On January 8, the apex court had asked the CBI officers including Bassi, who were transferred overnight to various places after the Centre's decision to divest the probe agency's Director Alok Verma of his powers, to approach appropriate forum assailing their transfers. Bassi had said he was never a part of any "group or faction" within the CBI and has no concern whatsoever with the alleged disputes that have erupted within the CBI. He had said he does not claim or content or seek any vested right to be a part of any investigation team that is investigating into the FIR related to Asthana or any other case investigated by CBI.

Supreme Court seeks CBI's response on DSP Bassi's plea challenging transfer

Narthaki Nataraj, the first transgender to be awarded the Padma Shri, opined that she was chosen for the civilian decoration not because of her gender or identity but solely on the basis of merit and her talent as a Bharatanatyam artist.

"I was chosen not because of my transgender identity but on basis of merit as a Bharatanatyam artist. I have given more than 30 years of my life in the service of Bharatanatyam," she told news agency ANI.

Nataraj, a professional Bharatnatyam artist specialising in Thanjavur-based Nayaki Bhava tradition of dance, said that though she is in her fifties, she still feels like a 16-year-old.

"On Facebook, I have mentioned myself as Nityakalyani, because I feel like a beautiful angel from the core of my heart, I feel like a beautiful transgender woman, a beautiful dancer. Though I have a lot of wounds, I hide them," said Nataraj.

Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday announced the name of 112 recipients of the Padma awards, one of the highest civilian awards of the country on the eve of the country's 70th Republic Day.

The Padma awards are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, the second, third and fourth highest civilian awards of the country respectively, only after Bharat Ratna.

 
This year's awardees comprise four Padma Vibhushan, 14 Padma Bhushan and 94 Padma Shri recipients.

Narthaki Nataraj, the first transgender to be awarded the Padma Shri, opined that she was chosen for the civilian decoration not because of her gender or identity but solely on the basis of merit and her talent as a Bharatanatyam artist.

Narthaki Nataraj, the first transgender to be awarded the Padma Shri, opined that she was chosen for the civilian decoration not because of her gender or identity but solely on the basis of merit and her talent as a Bharatanatyam artist. "I was chosen not because of my transgender identity but on basis of merit as a Bharatanatyam artist. I have given more than 30 years of my life in the service of Bharatanatyam," she told news agency ANI. Nataraj, a professional Bharatnatyam artist specialising in Thanjavur-based Nayaki Bhava tradition of dance, said that though she is in her fifties, she still feels like a 16-year-old. "On Facebook, I have mentioned myself as Nityakalyani, because I feel like a beautiful angel from the core of my heart, I feel like a beautiful transgender woman, a beautiful dancer. Though I have a lot of wounds, I hide them," said Nataraj. Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday announced the name of 112 recipients of the Padma awards, one of the highest civilian awards of the country on the eve of the country's 70th Republic Day. The Padma awards are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, the second, third and fourth highest civilian awards of the country respectively, only after Bharat Ratna. This year's awardees comprise four Padma Vibhushan, 14 Padma Bhushan and 94 Padma Shri recipients.

Awarded for my art, not my transgender identity: Padma Shri Narthaki Nataraj

After Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sikri, Justice Ramana has become the&nbsp;third judge to recuse himself from hearing a plea challenging the Centre's decision to appoint M Nageswara Rao as interim CBI director.

This is the third recusal by a judge from a listed Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the month of January 2019 alone.

Justice Ramana, while recusing himself from hearing the contentious PIL, said, ''I know him personally, therefore, it won't be appropriate to hear this PIL.'' &nbsp;

The PIL contended that the selection panel was completely bypassed and had no role in the appointment of Nageswara Rao, thereby rendering the appointment illegal as it is in violation of the procedure for appointment of Director, CBI laid down in the DSPE (Delhi Special Police Establishment) Act.&nbsp;

Advocate Prashant Bhushan filed the PIL on January 15, 2019, and since then the PIL hasn’t been heard by the first four Supreme Court benches yet.

The PIL’s fate hangs in balance as it waits for a hearing by an appropriate bench.&nbsp;

It is likely to be heard by Justice Arun Mishra’s bench.&nbsp;

After Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sikri, Justice Ramana has become the third judge to recuse himself from hearing a plea challenging the Centre's decision to appoint M Nageswara Rao as interim CBI director.

After Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sikri, Justice Ramana has become the third judge to recuse himself from hearing a plea challenging the Centre's decision to appoint M Nageswara Rao as interim CBI director. This is the third recusal by a judge from a listed Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the month of January 2019 alone. Justice Ramana, while recusing himself from hearing the contentious PIL, said, ''I know him personally, therefore, it won't be appropriate to hear this PIL.'' The PIL contended that the selection panel was completely bypassed and had no role in the appointment of Nageswara Rao, thereby rendering the appointment illegal as it is in violation of the procedure for appointment of Director, CBI laid down in the DSPE (Delhi Special Police Establishment) Act. Advocate Prashant Bhushan filed the PIL on January 15, 2019, and since then the PIL hasn’t been heard by the first four Supreme Court benches yet. The PIL’s fate hangs in balance as it waits for a hearing by an appropriate bench. It is likely to be heard by Justice Arun Mishra’s bench.

Plea against Rao's appointment as interim CBI chief: Third judge recuses himself from hearing 

Summoning of an Ambassador or a high commissioner of a country by the foreign secretary is considered the strongest "diplomatic" protest a country does.&nbsp;

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-summons-pak-high-commissioner-over-foreign-minister-qureshis-phone-call-to-hurriyat-leader-mirwaiz-umar-farooq-193958">Pakistan high commissioner</a> Sohail Mahmood was summoned at 10.30 pm on Wednesday night shows New Delhi has taken the Foreign Minister Qureshi's call to Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq very seriously and is miffed with Islamabad.

In all, including the summoning on Wednesday, a Pakistani high commissioner has been summoned six times under the Narendra Modi govt since it took charge in 2014.

While 2018 saw no summoning, the last time New Delhi Summoned a Pakistan high commissioner was on April 10 2017. Back then, the then, high commissioner Abdul Basit was summoned and handed over a demarche following Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistan Army media wing press release on awarding death sentence to Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Date</td>
			<td>Reason</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>December 24, 2014</td>
			<td>The release of Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, a prime accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>August 16, 2015</td>
			<td>Unprovoked firing by Pakistan troops in Poonch</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>August 9, 2015</td>
			<td>Arrest of Pakistan national with LeT links in J&amp;K&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>September 21, 2016</td>
			<td>Uri attack: Pak envoy summoned, told about evidence recovered</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>April 10, 2017</td>
			<td>Pakistan army court sentences Kulbhushan Jadhav to death</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>January 30, 2018</td>
			<td>Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi dials Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Pakistan high commissioner Basit was summoned two times in 2016, once in September following the Uri Attack and once in August following the arrest of Pakistani national Bahadur Ali in J&amp;K who had confessed with linkages with Lashkar-e-Taiba.&nbsp;

According to a ministry of external affairs release back then, "Bahadur Ali has confessed to our authorities that after training in Lashkar-e-Taiba camps, he was infiltrated into India"

In 2015, the Pakistan high commissioner was summoned once in August to the following firing from Pakistani side in Poonch in which Indian civil population was being targeted when the situation LoC had rapidly deteriorated.&nbsp;

The first time a Pakistan high commissioner was summoned under Modi govt was on December 29, 2014, following the release of Zakir Ur Rehman Lakhvi, one of the key planner behind the 26/11 attacks.

Summoning of an Ambassador or a high commissioner of a country by the foreign secretary is considered the strongest "diplomatic" protest a country does. The Pakistan high commissioner Sohail Mahmood was summoned at 10.

Summoning of an Ambassador or a high commissioner of a country by the foreign secretary is considered the strongest "diplomatic" protest a country does. The Pakistan high commissioner Sohail Mahmood was summoned at 10.30 pm on Wednesday night shows New Delhi has taken the Foreign Minister Qureshi's call to Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq very seriously and is miffed with Islamabad. In all, including the summoning on Wednesday, a Pakistani high commissioner has been summoned six times under the Narendra Modi govt since it took charge in 2014. While 2018 saw no summoning, the last time New Delhi Summoned a Pakistan high commissioner was on April 10 2017. Back then, the then, high commissioner Abdul Basit was summoned and handed over a demarche following Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistan Army media wing press release on awarding death sentence to Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav. Date Reason December 24, 2014 The release of Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, a prime accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. August 16, 2015 Unprovoked firing by Pakistan troops in Poonch August 9, 2015 Arrest of Pakistan national with LeT links in J&K September 21, 2016 Uri attack: Pak envoy summoned, told about evidence recovered April 10, 2017 Pakistan army court sentences Kulbhushan Jadhav to death January 30, 2018 Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi dials Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Pakistan high commissioner Basit was summoned two times in 2016, once in September following the Uri Attack and once in August following the arrest of Pakistani national Bahadur Ali in J&K who had confessed with linkages with Lashkar-e-Taiba. According to a ministry of external affairs release back then, "Bahadur Ali has confessed to our authorities that after training in Lashkar-e-Taiba camps, he was infiltrated into India" In 2015, the Pakistan high commissioner was summoned once in August to the following firing from Pakistani side in Poonch in which Indian civil population was being targeted when the situation LoC had rapidly deteriorated. The first time a Pakistan high commissioner was summoned under Modi govt was on December 29, 2014, following the release of Zakir Ur Rehman Lakhvi, one of the key planner behind the 26/11 attacks.

6 times since 2014: Timeline of summoning of Pak high commissioner by Modi government

BJP leader and former Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel urged the Opposition not to politicise issues and stall the Bills related to development during the Budget Session of Parliament that opened on Thursday.

Speaking to ANI, Goel said," I request all the Opposition parties not to politicize issues and block the Bills. It will send out a wrong message to the public about them. All the Bills will be passed in accordance with the laid-down procedure."

The Vote on Account to be presented on Friday will only be for three months before the new government presents a full-fledged Budget in July.

Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal who has taken interim charge of the Finance Ministry will be presenting the budget on February 1.

BJP leader and former Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel urged the Opposition not to politicise issues and stall the Bills related to development during the Budget Session of Parliament that opened on Thursday.

BJP leader and former Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel urged the Opposition not to politicise issues and stall the Bills related to development during the Budget Session of Parliament that opened on Thursday. Speaking to ANI, Goel said," I request all the Opposition parties not to politicize issues and block the Bills. It will send out a wrong message to the public about them. All the Bills will be passed in accordance with the laid-down procedure." The Vote on Account to be presented on Friday will only be for three months before the new government presents a full-fledged Budget in July. Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal who has taken interim charge of the Finance Ministry will be presenting the budget on February 1.

Union Budget 2019: BJP's Vijay Goel urges Opposition not to stall Bills during Budget Session

ICICI Bank sacks Chandra Kochhar

Former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/alok-verma-quits-as-cbi-chief-says-always-stood-for-integrity-of-the-institution-189659">CBI director Alok Verma</a>, who defied a government order asking him to join as chief of Fire Services on Thursday, has told the home ministry that he superannuated from the post of CBI director on January 10, officials said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had directed Verma to take charge as director general of the Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards on Thursday.

Verma immediately responded to the letter from MHA dated January 30, reiterating his position that he had already retired from the service on July 31, 2017 and was serving the tenure of director CBI.

In his response to R S Vaidya, Deputy Secretary in the home ministry, Verma said his date of birth from the official records is July 14, 1957 which implies that date of superannuation was July 31, 2017.

"The undersigned has already crossed the age of 61 years and continued to serve even after his superannuation date as Director, CBI which is a tenure post for a period of two years," Verma wrote in a letter accessed by PTI.

He said since he ceased to be director of CBI from the evening of January 10, 2019 and has already crossed 60 years, he stands superannuated from the post of Director, CBI with effect from the evening of January 10, 2019.

Verma was removed following a split decision of a high- level committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjuna Kharge and Justice A K Sikri, nominated by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi.&nbsp;

Kharge has given a strong dissent note against the decision of the committee to oust Verma from the post.

Former CBI director Alok Verma, who defied a government order asking him to join as chief of Fire Services on Thursday, has told the home ministry that he superannuated from the post of CBI director on January 10, officials said.

Former CBI director Alok Verma, who defied a government order asking him to join as chief of Fire Services on Thursday, has told the home ministry that he superannuated from the post of CBI director on January 10, officials said. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had directed Verma to take charge as director general of the Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards on Thursday. Verma immediately responded to the letter from MHA dated January 30, reiterating his position that he had already retired from the service on July 31, 2017 and was serving the tenure of director CBI. In his response to R S Vaidya, Deputy Secretary in the home ministry, Verma said his date of birth from the official records is July 14, 1957 which implies that date of superannuation was July 31, 2017. "The undersigned has already crossed the age of 61 years and continued to serve even after his superannuation date as Director, CBI which is a tenure post for a period of two years," Verma wrote in a letter accessed by PTI. He said since he ceased to be director of CBI from the evening of January 10, 2019 and has already crossed 60 years, he stands superannuated from the post of Director, CBI with effect from the evening of January 10, 2019. Verma was removed following a split decision of a high- level committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjuna Kharge and Justice A K Sikri, nominated by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi. Kharge has given a strong dissent note against the decision of the committee to oust Verma from the post.

Alok Verma reiterates stand; tells MHA he superannuated on January 10

In yet another breakthrough in the VVIP chopper scandal, Rajiv Saxena, the co-accused in Rs 3,600-crore <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-scam-christian-michel-named-mrs-gandhi-son-of-italian-lady-in-probe-ed-tells-court-187221">AgustaWestland chopper deal case</a>, and corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar were extradited to India in the early hours of Thursday from United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In December last year, the UAE government had extradited Christian Michel, a British national and alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal scam.

According to sources a two-member Enforcement Directorate team headed by an Inspector General rank officer and officials of Ministry of External Affairs and Research and Analysis Wing (R&amp;AW) have accompanied both the accused to Delhi from Dubai in the aircraft which landed at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi around 2.30 am.

Soon after the aircraft landed, Talwar was taken into Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody, sources said.

Rajiv Saxena was picked up by UAE state security from his residence this morning at 9:30 am (UAE time) on Wednesday and illegally extradited to India around 5:30 pm (UAE time).

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in December last year, in reply against Dubai-based businessman Saxena’s bail plea, had informed the court about the request for his extradition from Dubai as he had failed to join the investigation even after repeated reminders.

On October 6 last year, a court in Delhi had issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Saxena after the ED informed the court that he was not joining the investigation even after repeated summons. Saxena’s name figured in a charge sheet filed against his wife Shivani, currently out on bail after being arrested by the ED.&nbsp;

Geeta Luthra and Prateek Yadav, lawyers of Rajiv Saxena said when they asked to speak to UAE state security and demanded to understand what happened, they were told he is on flight and can’t be stopped. When they queried this further they were told “Ask the Indian Government".

They further added, "There were no extradition proceedings started in the UAE and he was not allowed access to his family or lawyers or essential daily medicine. He was boarded onto a private jet from a private terminal at Dubai International Airport".

(With inputs from ANI)

In yet another breakthrough in the VVIP chopper scandal, Rajiv Saxena, the co-accused in Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal case, and corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar were extradited to India in the early hours of Thursday from United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In yet another breakthrough in the VVIP chopper scandal, Rajiv Saxena, the co-accused in Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal case, and corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar were extradited to India in the early hours of Thursday from United Arab Emirates (UAE). In December last year, the UAE government had extradited Christian Michel, a British national and alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal scam. According to sources a two-member Enforcement Directorate team headed by an Inspector General rank officer and officials of Ministry of External Affairs and Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) have accompanied both the accused to Delhi from Dubai in the aircraft which landed at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi around 2.30 am. Soon after the aircraft landed, Talwar was taken into Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody, sources said. Rajiv Saxena was picked up by UAE state security from his residence this morning at 9:30 am (UAE time) on Wednesday and illegally extradited to India around 5:30 pm (UAE time). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in December last year, in reply against Dubai-based businessman Saxena’s bail plea, had informed the court about the request for his extradition from Dubai as he had failed to join the investigation even after repeated reminders. On October 6 last year, a court in Delhi had issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Saxena after the ED informed the court that he was not joining the investigation even after repeated summons. Saxena’s name figured in a charge sheet filed against his wife Shivani, currently out on bail after being arrested by the ED. Geeta Luthra and Prateek Yadav, lawyers of Rajiv Saxena said when they asked to speak to UAE state security and demanded to understand what happened, they were told he is on flight and can’t be stopped. When they queried this further they were told “Ask the Indian Government". They further added, "There were no extradition proceedings started in the UAE and he was not allowed access to his family or lawyers or essential daily medicine. He was boarded onto a private jet from a private terminal at Dubai International Airport". (With inputs from ANI)

AgustaWestland co-accused Rajiv Saxena extradited to India, taken into Enforcement Directorate custody

As part of its effort to give greater chance to foreign workers who have received higher education from the US, the Trump administration on Wednesday formally announced a new rule related to the filing of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-proposes-changes-to-h-1b-visas-to-be-given-to-most-skilled-highest-paid-foreign-workers-180602">H-1B visas,</a> asserting that it is more efficient, effective and helps in attracting the best talent in the US.

The final rule reverses the order by which US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) selects H-1B petitions under the regular cap and the advanced degree exemption.

Among other things, it introduces an electronic registration requirement for petitioners seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions.

To be published in the Federal Register on Thursday, the new rule will go into effect on April 1, though the electronic registration requirement will be suspended for the fiscal year (FY) 2020 cap season, USCIS said.

"These simple and smart changes are a positive benefit for employers, the foreign workers they seek to employ, and the agency's adjudicators, helping the H-1B visa programme work better," said USCIS Director Francis Cissna.

Early this month, President Donald Trump said that he wants to bring in changes in the H-1B visa systems so that holders of these visas can stay in the country and accelerate their path to citizenship.

The H-1B visa, popular among Indian IT professionals, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

The new registration system, once implemented, will lower overall costs for employers and increase government efficiency, he said.

Cissna said USCIS is also furthering Donald Trump's goal of improving the immigration system by making a simple adjustment to the H-1B cap selection process.

"As a result, US employers seeking to employ foreign workers with a US master's or higher degree will have a greater chance of selection in the H-1B lottery in years of excess demand for new H-1B visas," Cissna said

Effective from April 1, USCIS will first select H-1B petitions (or registrations, once the registration requirement is implemented) submitted on behalf of all beneficiaries, including those that may be eligible for the advanced degree exemption.

Thereafter USCIS will select from the remaining eligible petitions, a number projected to reach the advanced degree exemption.

Changing the order in which USCIS counts these allocations will likely increase the number of petitions for beneficiaries with a master's or higher degree from a US institution of higher education to be selected under the H-1B numerical allocations, a media statement said.

Specifically, the change will result in an estimated increase of up to 16 per cent (or 5,340 workers) in the number of selected petitions for H-1B beneficiaries with a master's degree or higher from a US institution of higher education.

USCIS will begin accepting H-1B cap petitions for fiscal 2020 on April 1, 2019. The reverse selection order will apply to petitions filed for the FY 2020 H-1B cap season.

Based on the feedback, USCIS said it has decided to suspend the electronic registration requirement for the fiscal 2020 cap season to complete user testing and ensure the system and process are fully functional.

Once implemented, the electronic registration requirement will require petitioners seeking to file H-1B cap petitions, including those that may be eligible for the advanced degree exemption, to first electronically register with USCIS during a designated registration period.

Only those whose registrations are selected will be eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition. USCIS expects that the electronic registration requirement, once implemented, will reduce overall costs for petitioners and create a more efficient and cost-effective H-1B cap petition process for USCIS and petitioners, according to an official statement.

As part of its effort to give greater chance to foreign workers who have received higher education from the US, the Trump administration on Wednesday formally announced a new rule related to the filing of H-1B visas, asserting that it is more efficient, effective and helps in attracting the best talent in the US.

As part of its effort to give greater chance to foreign workers who have received higher education from the US, the Trump administration on Wednesday formally announced a new rule related to the filing of H-1B visas, asserting that it is more efficient, effective and helps in attracting the best talent in the US. The final rule reverses the order by which US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) selects H-1B petitions under the regular cap and the advanced degree exemption. Among other things, it introduces an electronic registration requirement for petitioners seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions. To be published in the Federal Register on Thursday, the new rule will go into effect on April 1, though the electronic registration requirement will be suspended for the fiscal year (FY) 2020 cap season, USCIS said. "These simple and smart changes are a positive benefit for employers, the foreign workers they seek to employ, and the agency's adjudicators, helping the H-1B visa programme work better," said USCIS Director Francis Cissna. Early this month, President Donald Trump said that he wants to bring in changes in the H-1B visa systems so that holders of these visas can stay in the country and accelerate their path to citizenship. The H-1B visa, popular among Indian IT professionals, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The new registration system, once implemented, will lower overall costs for employers and increase government efficiency, he said. Cissna said USCIS is also furthering Donald Trump's goal of improving the immigration system by making a simple adjustment to the H-1B cap selection process. "As a result, US employers seeking to employ foreign workers with a US master's or higher degree will have a greater chance of selection in the H-1B lottery in years of excess demand for new H-1B visas," Cissna said Effective from April 1, USCIS will first select H-1B petitions (or registrations, once the registration requirement is implemented) submitted on behalf of all beneficiaries, including those that may be eligible for the advanced degree exemption. Thereafter USCIS will select from the remaining eligible petitions, a number projected to reach the advanced degree exemption. Changing the order in which USCIS counts these allocations will likely increase the number of petitions for beneficiaries with a master's or higher degree from a US institution of higher education to be selected under the H-1B numerical allocations, a media statement said. Specifically, the change will result in an estimated increase of up to 16 per cent (or 5,340 workers) in the number of selected petitions for H-1B beneficiaries with a master's degree or higher from a US institution of higher education. USCIS will begin accepting H-1B cap petitions for fiscal 2020 on April 1, 2019. The reverse selection order will apply to petitions filed for the FY 2020 H-1B cap season. Based on the feedback, USCIS said it has decided to suspend the electronic registration requirement for the fiscal 2020 cap season to complete user testing and ensure the system and process are fully functional. Once implemented, the electronic registration requirement will require petitioners seeking to file H-1B cap petitions, including those that may be eligible for the advanced degree exemption, to first electronically register with USCIS during a designated registration period. Only those whose registrations are selected will be eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition. USCIS expects that the electronic registration requirement, once implemented, will reduce overall costs for petitioners and create a more efficient and cost-effective H-1B cap petition process for USCIS and petitioners, according to an official statement.

US announces new ‘simple and effective’ rule for H-1B visas  under regular cap

Counting of votes began on Thursday for the Jind and &nbsp;Ramgarh assembly seats in Haryana and Rajasthan respectively.

The counting started at 8 am and the result was expected by afternoon, poll officials said here.

Voting for the bypoll took place on January 28 with nearly 76 per cent of the 1.72 lakh voters exercising their franchise in the multi-cornered contest in Jind. Meanwhile, Ramgarh Assembly bypoll in Rajasthan's Alwar district saw a voter turnout of 78.45 per cent. The crucial seat witnessed a triangular contest between the ruling Congress party, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the opposition BJP.&nbsp;

Jind seat is a test was for all four major parties in the fray -- the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and the newly launched Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) as both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections were to be held later this year.

The fate of the four main candidates, Randeep Singh Surjewala (Congress), Krishan Lal Middha (BJP), Umed Singh (INLD) and Digvijay Singh Chautala (JJP), will be decided.

The byelection was necessitated after the death of two-time INLD legislator Hari Chand Middha, whose son is in the fray on a BJP ticket.

The election for the Ramgarh could not be held during Rajasthan Assembly polls due to the death of BSP candidate Laxman Singh just days ahead of the Assembly election.

Counting of votes began on Thursday for the Jind and Ramgarh assembly seats in Haryana and Rajasthan respectively. The counting started at 8 am and the result was expected by afternoon, poll officials said here.

Counting of votes began on Thursday for the Jind and Ramgarh assembly seats in Haryana and Rajasthan respectively. The counting started at 8 am and the result was expected by afternoon, poll officials said here. Voting for the bypoll took place on January 28 with nearly 76 per cent of the 1.72 lakh voters exercising their franchise in the multi-cornered contest in Jind. Meanwhile, Ramgarh Assembly bypoll in Rajasthan's Alwar district saw a voter turnout of 78.45 per cent. The crucial seat witnessed a triangular contest between the ruling Congress party, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the opposition BJP. Jind seat is a test was for all four major parties in the fray -- the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and the newly launched Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) as both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections were to be held later this year. The fate of the four main candidates, Randeep Singh Surjewala (Congress), Krishan Lal Middha (BJP), Umed Singh (INLD) and Digvijay Singh Chautala (JJP), will be decided. The byelection was necessitated after the death of two-time INLD legislator Hari Chand Middha, whose son is in the fray on a BJP ticket. The election for the Ramgarh could not be held during Rajasthan Assembly polls due to the death of BSP candidate Laxman Singh just days ahead of the Assembly election.

Counting begins for Haryana's Jind, Rajasthan's Ramgarh bypolls

In a major decision, the Defence Acquisition Council &nbsp;(DAC) on Thursday approved indigenous construction of six submarines for the Indian navy, accounting for a total cost of Rs 40,000 crore.&nbsp;

The project comes under Defence Ministry's "strategic partnership" (SP) model that aims at providing significant filip to the government "Make in India" program. This is the second such project under the SP model.

SP model calls for indigenous manufacturing of major defence platforms by an Indian strategic partner who will collaborate with foriegn OEM to set up production faculty in the country.&nbsp;

Accrding to Defence ministry's release "model has a long term vision of promoting India as a manufacturing hub for defence equipment through tranfer if niche techologies and higher indigenous content thereby enhancing self sufficiency for meeting the future requirements of the armed forces."

The first project under the SP model was indigenous production of 111 naval utility helicopters in August 2018.&nbsp;

Construction of six submarines the defence ministry has said "is expected to provide a major boost to the existing submarine design and manufacturing eco system in India through tranfer of design and equipment technology as well as necessary skill set."

In a major decision, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday approved indigenous construction of six submarines for the Indian navy, accounting for a total cost of Rs 40,000 crore.

In a major decision, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday approved indigenous construction of six submarines for the Indian navy, accounting for a total cost of Rs 40,000 crore. The project comes under Defence Ministry's "strategic partnership" (SP) model that aims at providing significant filip to the government "Make in India" program. This is the second such project under the SP model. SP model calls for indigenous manufacturing of major defence platforms by an Indian strategic partner who will collaborate with foriegn OEM to set up production faculty in the country. Accrding to Defence ministry's release "model has a long term vision of promoting India as a manufacturing hub for defence equipment through tranfer if niche techologies and higher indigenous content thereby enhancing self sufficiency for meeting the future requirements of the armed forces." The first project under the SP model was indigenous production of 111 naval utility helicopters in August 2018. Construction of six submarines the defence ministry has said "is expected to provide a major boost to the existing submarine design and manufacturing eco system in India through tranfer of design and equipment technology as well as necessary skill set."

India approves indigenous construction of six submarines for Rs 40,000 crore

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement have arrested eight persons all of whom are either Indian nationals or Indian Americans on charges of fraudulently facilitating hundreds of immigrants to illegally remain in the US as students.

In their late 20s or early 30s, those arrested are identified as Barath Kakireddy, Suresh Kandala, Phanideep Karnati, Prem Rampeesa, Santosh Sama, Avinash Thakkallapally, Aswanth Nune, and Naveen Prathipati.

However, the ICE has not disclosed their nationalities.

Six of them were arrested in Detroit area while the other two in Virginia and Florida, the ICE said in a statement.

These suspects aided hundreds of foreign nationals to remain in the United States illegally by helping to portray them as students, which they most certainly were not, said special agent Charge Francis.

"Homeland Security Investigations special agents uncovered a nationwide network that grossly exploited US immigration laws, he said.

According to the indictments, from February 2017 to January 2019, a group of foreign citizens conspired to fraudulently facilitate hundreds of foreign nationals in illegally remaining and working in the US by actively recruiting them to enrol into a metro Detroit private Farmington University.

Unknown to the conspirators, Farmington University was operated by special agents of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) as part of an undercover operation, the ICE said.

The eight defendants charged are accused of helping enrol the students in exchange for cash, kickbacks and tuition credits as part of the "pay to stay" scheme.

HSI remains vigilant to ensure the integrity of US immigration laws and will continue to investigate this and other transnational crimes, Francis said.

The accused and recruiters assisted foreign "students" in fraudulently obtaining immigration documents from the varsity and facilitated the creation of false student records, including transcripts, for the purpose of deceiving immigration authorities.

ICE said that all participants in the scheme knew that the varsity had no instructors or actual classes.

The defendants intended to help shield and hide their customers/students from United States immigration authorities for money and collectively profited in excess of a quarter of a million dollars as a result of their scheme, the ICE said.

"We are all aware that international students can be a valuable asset to our country, but as this case shows, the well-intended international student visa program can also be exploited and abused, stated US Attorney Matthew Schneider.

According to the indictment, the university was being used by foreign citizens as a 'pay to stay' scheme which allowed these individuals to stay in the United States as full-time students in an "approved" educational program.

Each of the foreign citizen who enrolled and made tuition payments to the university knew that they would not attend accrual classes, earn credits or make progress towards an actual degree in a particular field of study a pay to stay scheme, the indictment said.

"Rather their intent was to fraudulently maintain their student visa status and to obtain work authorization under the CPT program, the indictment said, claiming that each student knew that the university program was not approved by the Department of Homeland Security, was illegal and that discretion should be used when discussing the program with others.

It is the second such case when the Department of Homeland Security has used a fake university to unearth a fake student visa racket.

In 2016, ICE had arrested some 21 people for similar charges for a fake University of Northern New Jersey.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement have arrested eight persons all of whom are either Indian nationals or Indian Americans on charges of fraudulently facilitating hundreds of immigrants to illegally remain in the US as students.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement have arrested eight persons all of whom are either Indian nationals or Indian Americans on charges of fraudulently facilitating hundreds of immigrants to illegally remain in the US as students. In their late 20s or early 30s, those arrested are identified as Barath Kakireddy, Suresh Kandala, Phanideep Karnati, Prem Rampeesa, Santosh Sama, Avinash Thakkallapally, Aswanth Nune, and Naveen Prathipati. However, the ICE has not disclosed their nationalities. Six of them were arrested in Detroit area while the other two in Virginia and Florida, the ICE said in a statement. These suspects aided hundreds of foreign nationals to remain in the United States illegally by helping to portray them as students, which they most certainly were not, said special agent Charge Francis. "Homeland Security Investigations special agents uncovered a nationwide network that grossly exploited US immigration laws, he said. According to the indictments, from February 2017 to January 2019, a group of foreign citizens conspired to fraudulently facilitate hundreds of foreign nationals in illegally remaining and working in the US by actively recruiting them to enrol into a metro Detroit private Farmington University. Unknown to the conspirators, Farmington University was operated by special agents of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) as part of an undercover operation, the ICE said. The eight defendants charged are accused of helping enrol the students in exchange for cash, kickbacks and tuition credits as part of the "pay to stay" scheme. HSI remains vigilant to ensure the integrity of US immigration laws and will continue to investigate this and other transnational crimes, Francis said. The accused and recruiters assisted foreign "students" in fraudulently obtaining immigration documents from the varsity and facilitated the creation of false student records, including transcripts, for the purpose of deceiving immigration authorities. ICE said that all participants in the scheme knew that the varsity had no instructors or actual classes. The defendants intended to help shield and hide their customers/students from United States immigration authorities for money and collectively profited in excess of a quarter of a million dollars as a result of their scheme, the ICE said. "We are all aware that international students can be a valuable asset to our country, but as this case shows, the well-intended international student visa program can also be exploited and abused, stated US Attorney Matthew Schneider. According to the indictment, the university was being used by foreign citizens as a 'pay to stay' scheme which allowed these individuals to stay in the United States as full-time students in an "approved" educational program. Each of the foreign citizen who enrolled and made tuition payments to the university knew that they would not attend accrual classes, earn credits or make progress towards an actual degree in a particular field of study a pay to stay scheme, the indictment said. "Rather their intent was to fraudulently maintain their student visa status and to obtain work authorization under the CPT program, the indictment said, claiming that each student knew that the university program was not approved by the Department of Homeland Security, was illegal and that discretion should be used when discussing the program with others. It is the second such case when the Department of Homeland Security has used a fake university to unearth a fake student visa racket. In 2016, ICE had arrested some 21 people for similar charges for a fake University of Northern New Jersey.

Eight Indians arrested on charges of facilitating foreigners illegally stay in US as students

India has once again underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border with China as a prerequisite for "smooth" development of overall ties between the two countries.

Both sides reviewed the situation along the border Tuesday during the 13th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

It said the two sides reviewed the progress on implementation of various confidence-building measures (CBMs) to enhance mutual trust and understanding.

"The Indian side reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas as a prerequisite to smooth development of overall bilateral relations," the MEA said.

The WMCC was established in 2012 as an institutional mechanism for consultation and coordination for management of India-China border areas as well as to exchange views on strengthening communication, including between the border security personnel of the two sides.

In the meeting, both sides reviewed the situation in the border areas with a view to ensuring peace and tranquillity in accordance with the strategic guidance given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping during the Wuhan Summit last year, the MEA said.

"In this context, both sides recognised the important role of constant exchanges between the two sides, including at the WMCC meetings, towards strengthening communication for effective border management," it said.

In their informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan in April last year, Modi and Xi decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications so that they can build trust and understanding.

The informal summit had taken place seven months after the Doklam standoff.

Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day face-off in Doklam from June 16, 2017, after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The impasse ended on August 28.

The Indian delegation at the WMCC was led by Pranay Verma, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the MEA while the Chinese delegation was led by Yi Xianliang, Director General, Department of Boundary and Oceanic Affairs in Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

India has once again underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border with China as a prerequisite for "smooth" development of overall ties between the two countries.

India has once again underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border with China as a prerequisite for "smooth" development of overall ties between the two countries. Both sides reviewed the situation along the border Tuesday during the 13th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs said. It said the two sides reviewed the progress on implementation of various confidence-building measures (CBMs) to enhance mutual trust and understanding. "The Indian side reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas as a prerequisite to smooth development of overall bilateral relations," the MEA said. The WMCC was established in 2012 as an institutional mechanism for consultation and coordination for management of India-China border areas as well as to exchange views on strengthening communication, including between the border security personnel of the two sides. In the meeting, both sides reviewed the situation in the border areas with a view to ensuring peace and tranquillity in accordance with the strategic guidance given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping during the Wuhan Summit last year, the MEA said. "In this context, both sides recognised the important role of constant exchanges between the two sides, including at the WMCC meetings, towards strengthening communication for effective border management," it said. In their informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan in April last year, Modi and Xi decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications so that they can build trust and understanding. The informal summit had taken place seven months after the Doklam standoff. Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day face-off in Doklam from June 16, 2017, after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The impasse ended on August 28. The Indian delegation at the WMCC was led by Pranay Verma, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the MEA while the Chinese delegation was led by Yi Xianliang, Director General, Department of Boundary and Oceanic Affairs in Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For smooth ties with China, peace along border a prerequisite: India

A United States intelligence report has warned terror attacks in India and Afghanistan due to "safe havens" provided to militants by Pakistan.&nbsp;

The "worldwide threat assessment of US intelligence community" report released by "The office of the director of national intelligence" said, "militant groups supported by Pakistan will continue to take advantage of their "safe haven"&nbsp;in Pakistan to plan and conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan, including against US interests."

Coming out strongly against "Islamabad’s narrow approach to counterterrorism cooperation" by "using some groups as policy tools and confronting only the militant groups that directly threaten Pakistan", the report said, will certainly "frustrate US counterterrorism efforts against the Taliban."

The report comes even as the US has been engaged with Taliban for a pact that will see <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-peace-talks-arab-divide-shadows-the-talks-as-us-says-negotiations-will-continue-193946">American troops leave Afghanistan </a>after 17 years. On the situation in Afghanistan, the report assesses a stalemate between the Afghan government and the Taliban in the coming year in terms of making any gains "if coalition support remains at current levels."

Lauding the Afghan forces, it said it has been able to "secure cities and other government strongholds" but the Taliban has "increased large-scale attacks".

Indo-Pak ties

The 42-page report doesn't see a major breakthrough in India-Pakistan ties. It listed "cross-border terrorism, firing across the Line of Control (LoC), divisive national elections in India, and Islamabad’s perception of its position with the United States relative to India" as the main factors that is contributing to "strained" Indo-Pak ties at least till May, 2019 when India's elections get over.

It further adds,"continued terrorist attacks and cross-border firing in Kashmir" has hardened "each country’s position" and "reduced their political will to seek rapprochement".

In November last year, both countries agreed to build Kartarpur corridor so that Indian pilgrims can visit the holy Gurudwara at Kartarpur, where the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak stayed for 18 years. It is expected to be opened this year to celebrate the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji.

India-China ties

On India-China ties the report was gloomy saying that relations will remain tense despite "efforts on both sides to manage tensions." It said "misperceptions of military movements or construction" might result in tensions "escalating into armed conflict."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 starting with the famous Wuhan Summit in April. In 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit India for the second informal summit. 2017 was a tense year for Sino India ties as the Chinese army sought to build a road in the Doklam area of Bhutan which was repelled by the Indian Army leading to a 73-day standoff.

Indian elections

The report also spoke on the Indian general elections saying that if the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) stresses on "Hindu nationalist themes" it might result in "the possibility of communal violence". It added, communal clashes "could alienate Indian Muslims and allow Islamist terrorist groups in India to expand their influence."

A United States intelligence report has warned terror attacks in India and Afghanistan due to "safe havens" provided to militants by Pakistan. The "worldwide threat assessment of US intelligence community" report released by "The office of the director of national intelligence" said, "militant groups supported by Pakistan will continue to take advantage of their "safe haven" in Pakistan to plan and conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan, including against US interests.

A United States intelligence report has warned terror attacks in India and Afghanistan due to "safe havens" provided to militants by Pakistan. The "worldwide threat assessment of US intelligence community" report released by "The office of the director of national intelligence" said, "militant groups supported by Pakistan will continue to take advantage of their "safe haven" in Pakistan to plan and conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan, including against US interests." Coming out strongly against "Islamabad’s narrow approach to counterterrorism cooperation" by "using some groups as policy tools and confronting only the militant groups that directly threaten Pakistan", the report said, will certainly "frustrate US counterterrorism efforts against the Taliban." The report comes even as the US has been engaged with Taliban for a pact that will see American troops leave Afghanistan after 17 years. On the situation in Afghanistan, the report assesses a stalemate between the Afghan government and the Taliban in the coming year in terms of making any gains "if coalition support remains at current levels." Lauding the Afghan forces, it said it has been able to "secure cities and other government strongholds" but the Taliban has "increased large-scale attacks". Indo-Pak ties The 42-page report doesn't see a major breakthrough in India-Pakistan ties. It listed "cross-border terrorism, firing across the Line of Control (LoC), divisive national elections in India, and Islamabad’s perception of its position with the United States relative to India" as the main factors that is contributing to "strained" Indo-Pak ties at least till May, 2019 when India's elections get over. It further adds,"continued terrorist attacks and cross-border firing in Kashmir" has hardened "each country’s position" and "reduced their political will to seek rapprochement". In November last year, both countries agreed to build Kartarpur corridor so that Indian pilgrims can visit the holy Gurudwara at Kartarpur, where the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak stayed for 18 years. It is expected to be opened this year to celebrate the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji. India-China ties On India-China ties the report was gloomy saying that relations will remain tense despite "efforts on both sides to manage tensions." It said "misperceptions of military movements or construction" might result in tensions "escalating into armed conflict." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 starting with the famous Wuhan Summit in April. In 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit India for the second informal summit. 2017 was a tense year for Sino India ties as the Chinese army sought to build a road in the Doklam area of Bhutan which was repelled by the Indian Army leading to a 73-day standoff. Indian elections The report also spoke on the Indian general elections saying that if the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) stresses on "Hindu nationalist themes" it might result in "the possibility of communal violence". It added, communal clashes "could alienate Indian Muslims and allow Islamist terrorist groups in India to expand their influence."

Militant groups supported by Pak will continue to conduct attacks on India, Afghanistan: US intelligence report

Clearing the air about the news report that stated <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fuhrer-mussolini-rahul-gandhi-bjp-spar-over-jobs-report-194112">India had recorded a 45-year high unemployment rate</a>, NITI Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Thursday that the government has not yet released any official data on unemployment as the data was still in process.

"Government did not release the data (on jobs) as it is still being processed. When the data is ready we will release it", Rajiv Kumar said.

He further said it was not correct to rely upon the data (released today).

"Data collection method is different now, we are using a computer-assisted personal interviewee in the new survey. It is not right to compare the two data sets, this data is not verified. It is not correct to use this report as final, " he added.

A media report on Thursday showed the assessment by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) conducted between July 2017-June 2018. According to the report the unemployment rate stood at 6.1 per cent, the highest since 1972-73.&nbsp;

The report further said that joblessness stood at 7.8 per cent in urban areas compared with 5.3 parts in the countryside.

The report published in a newspaper on Thursday said that the official survey that has been withheld by the government shows India's unemployment rate rose to a 45-year high during 2017-2018.

Clearing the air about the news report that stated India had recorded a 45-year high unemployment rate, NITI Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Thursday that the government has not yet released any official data on unemployment as the data was still in process.

Clearing the air about the news report that stated India had recorded a 45-year high unemployment rate, NITI Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Thursday that the government has not yet released any official data on unemployment as the data was still in process. "Government did not release the data (on jobs) as it is still being processed. When the data is ready we will release it", Rajiv Kumar said. He further said it was not correct to rely upon the data (released today). "Data collection method is different now, we are using a computer-assisted personal interviewee in the new survey. It is not right to compare the two data sets, this data is not verified. It is not correct to use this report as final, " he added. A media report on Thursday showed the assessment by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) conducted between July 2017-June 2018. According to the report the unemployment rate stood at 6.1 per cent, the highest since 1972-73. The report further said that joblessness stood at 7.8 per cent in urban areas compared with 5.3 parts in the countryside. The report published in a newspaper on Thursday said that the official survey that has been withheld by the government shows India's unemployment rate rose to a 45-year high during 2017-2018.

Government has not yet released any official data on unemployment: NITI Aayog on job report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/india-must-sign-npt-to-gain-entry-into-nsg-patient-negotiations-required-china-194132">India must sign NPT to gain entry into NSG, patient negotiations required: China</a>

India must sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty(NPT) to gain entry into&nbsp;the Nuclear Suppliers Group, China said Thursday, asserting that "patient negotiations" were required for New Delhi's admission into the group as there is no precedent for the inclusion of non-NPT countries.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-participate-in-all-formats-of-talks-that-bring-peace-india-on-afghan-peace-process-194136">Will participate in all formats of talks that bring peace: India on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-participate-in-all-formats-of-talks-that-bring-peace-india-on-afghan-peace-process-194136">Afghan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-participate-in-all-formats-of-talks-that-bring-peace-india-on-afghan-peace-process-194136"> peace process</a>

India has said it is "closely following the&nbsp;developments related to peace&nbsp;and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan which have been undertaken by different stakeholders" and it will participate in "all formats of talks" which could "bring peace and security in the region."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-expresses-displeasure-to-uk-over-pak-foreign-minister-qureshis-upcoming-anti-india-conference-194147">India expresses displeasure to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-expresses-displeasure-to-uk-over-pak-foreign-minister-qureshis-upcoming-anti-india-conference-194147">UK</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-expresses-displeasure-to-uk-over-pak-foreign-minister-qureshis-upcoming-anti-india-conference-194147"> over Pak foreign minister Qureshi's upcoming anti-India conference</a>

India has come strongly on Islamabad a day after&nbsp;Pakistan's High Commissioner to India&nbsp;Sohail Mahmood was summoned after Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke with separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who heads All Parties Hurriyat Conference in the Valley.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gdp-growth-rate-for-2017-18-revised-upwards-to-72-194138">GDP growth rate for 2017-18 revised upwards to 7.2%</a>

The government Thursday revised the economic growth rate upwards to 7.2 per cent for 2017-18 from the 6.7 per cent estimated earlier. "Real GDP or GDP at constant (2011-12) prices for 2017-18 and 2016-17 stand at Rs 131.80 lakh crore and Rs 122.98 lakh crore, respectively, showing growth of 7.2 per cent during 2017-18 and 8.2 per cent during 2016-17," the CSO said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-to-taliban-afghan-politicians-opposed-to-president-ghani-sources-194150">Russia to host Taliban, Afghan politicians opposed to President Ghani: Sources</a>

Russia will host the Taliban and Afghan politicians&nbsp;opposed to President Ashraf Ghani&nbsp;on Tuesday, Russian and Taliban sources said, promoting its role of power broker in what a US official called an attempt to "muddle" the US-backed peace process.

India must sign NPT to gain entry into NSG, patient negotiations required: China India must sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty(NPT) to gain entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, China said Thursday, asserting that "patient negotiations" were required for New Delhi's admission into the group as there is no precedent for the inclusion of non-NPT countries.

India must sign NPT to gain entry into NSG, patient negotiations required: China India must sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty(NPT) to gain entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, China said Thursday, asserting that "patient negotiations" were required for New Delhi's admission into the group as there is no precedent for the inclusion of non-NPT countries. Will participate in all formats of talks that bring peace: India on Afghan peace process India has said it is "closely following the developments related to peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan which have been undertaken by different stakeholders" and it will participate in "all formats of talks" which could "bring peace and security in the region." India expresses displeasure to UK over Pak foreign minister Qureshi's upcoming anti-India conference India has come strongly on Islamabad a day after Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood was summoned after Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke with separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who heads All Parties Hurriyat Conference in the Valley. GDP growth rate for 2017-18 revised upwards to 7.2% The government Thursday revised the economic growth rate upwards to 7.2 per cent for 2017-18 from the 6.7 per cent estimated earlier. "Real GDP or GDP at constant (2011-12) prices for 2017-18 and 2016-17 stand at Rs 131.80 lakh crore and Rs 122.98 lakh crore, respectively, showing growth of 7.2 per cent during 2017-18 and 8.2 per cent during 2016-17," the CSO said. Russia to host Taliban, Afghan politicians opposed to President Ghani: Sources Russia will host the Taliban and Afghan politicians opposed to President Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday, Russian and Taliban sources said, promoting its role of power broker in what a US official called an attempt to "muddle" the US-backed peace process.

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