The Centre has assured that it would release the assistance for damage inflicted by cyclone 'Titli' and subsequent flood and landslides in 17 districts of the state, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said Saturday.

The assurance was given by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh when Patnaik spoke to him over the phone Saturday.

"The Union Home Minister has assured Chief Minister to release the assistance immediately," a release issued by the Chief Minister's Office said.

On December 13, Patnaik, in a letter to Singh, had demanded the immediate release of central assistance for the devastation caused by the cyclone to Odisha.

Patnaik said "Titli", which lashed Odisha in October 2018 and caused the subsequent flood and landslides, had severely affected a vast population of about 60.31 lakh in 128 blocks spread over 17 districts.

The state government had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Centre seeking the assistance of Rs 2,023.13 crore against total requirement of Rs 2,779.32 crore for relief and restoration work.

Patnaik had also written a letter to the prime minister on October 18 requesting for release of an interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore pending the final decision of the High-Level Committee headed by Rajnath Singh on the memorandum which was initially submitted by the state government in October.

Meanwhile, the inter-ministerial central team has already made an on-the-spot assessment of the damage during the first week of November 2018.

The state urgently required assistance from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) as an amount of Rs 1,689.13 crore was released for relief and restoration work exhausting the entire amount available in State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).&nbsp;

The Centre has assured that it would release the assistance for damage inflicted by cyclone 'Titli' and subsequent flood and landslides in 17 districts of the state, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said Saturday.

The Centre has assured that it would release the assistance for damage inflicted by cyclone 'Titli' and subsequent flood and landslides in 17 districts of the state, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said Saturday. The assurance was given by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh when Patnaik spoke to him over the phone Saturday. "The Union Home Minister has assured Chief Minister to release the assistance immediately," a release issued by the Chief Minister's Office said. On December 13, Patnaik, in a letter to Singh, had demanded the immediate release of central assistance for the devastation caused by the cyclone to Odisha. Patnaik said "Titli", which lashed Odisha in October 2018 and caused the subsequent flood and landslides, had severely affected a vast population of about 60.31 lakh in 128 blocks spread over 17 districts. The state government had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Centre seeking the assistance of Rs 2,023.13 crore against total requirement of Rs 2,779.32 crore for relief and restoration work. Patnaik had also written a letter to the prime minister on October 18 requesting for release of an interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore pending the final decision of the High-Level Committee headed by Rajnath Singh on the memorandum which was initially submitted by the state government in October. Meanwhile, the inter-ministerial central team has already made an on-the-spot assessment of the damage during the first week of November 2018. The state urgently required assistance from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) as an amount of Rs 1,689.13 crore was released for relief and restoration work exhausting the entire amount available in State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

'Titli' cyclone assistance to Odisha soon: Naveen Patnaik

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her France counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian discussed a host of issues from counter-terror, cooperation in Africa to increasing people to people ties.&nbsp;

The French Foreign minister is on a two-day visit to India.&nbsp;

The two ministers also issued a joint press statement in which French Foreign minister said his meeting with India's external affairs minister was marked by a "great convergence of views and shared ambition".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
20 years of a dynamic and multi-faceted strategic partnership! 
 
EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> welcomed Foreign Minister of France <a href="https://twitter.com/JY_LeDrian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JY_LeDrian</a> ahead of the delegation-level talks. This is their second bilateral meeting in six months continuing the momentum of high-level exchanges! <a href="https://t.co/pdQR8dlm0Y">pic.twitter.com/pdQR8dlm0Y</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1073817180423274496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"France and India are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their strategic partnership this year is not by chance. It's because we attach the same importance to multilateralism, respect for the rule of law, the same ambition to usher in a just and sustainable world," he said.&nbsp;

Exuding confidence in India France ties, Le Drian said, "India knows that in France it has a partner that has never failed it and on which it can count on in the future."

Sushma Swaraj said both India and France will take forward cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. Defence ties between both countries are deep and multifaceted.

Both India and France discussed counter terror with EAM Sushma saying "India and France have cooperation on counter-terror especially at FATF". French FM talked about the "shared commitment to fighting terrorism, as we mark ten years since the deadly Mumbai attacks."

Both countries are also planning to launch joint projects in Africa. On people to people front, France plans to host 10,000 Indian students annually by 2020.

This is the second meeting between the External Affairs Minister and French foreign minister this year. They earlier met this year during EAM's visit to Paris. 
&nbsp; 
The French Foreign Minister also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Earlier Le Drian visited Mumbai where he met Bollywood producers and conferred the French honour of Knight of the National Order of Merit on producer Ashok Amritraj.

French company Atos and India's Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) signed MoU for developing supercomputers in India on the occasion.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her France counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian discussed a host of issues from counter-terror, cooperation in Africa to increasing people to people ties.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her France counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian discussed a host of issues from counter-terror, cooperation in Africa to increasing people to people ties. The French Foreign minister is on a two-day visit to India. The two ministers also issued a joint press statement in which French Foreign minister said his meeting with India's external affairs minister was marked by a "great convergence of views and shared ambition". 20 years of a dynamic and multi-faceted strategic partnership! EAM @SushmaSwaraj welcomed Foreign Minister of France @JY_LeDrian ahead of the delegation-level talks. This is their second bilateral meeting in six months continuing the momentum of high-level exchanges! pic.twitter.com/pdQR8dlm0Y — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) December 15, 2018 × "France and India are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their strategic partnership this year is not by chance. It's because we attach the same importance to multilateralism, respect for the rule of law, the same ambition to usher in a just and sustainable world," he said. Exuding confidence in India France ties, Le Drian said, "India knows that in France it has a partner that has never failed it and on which it can count on in the future." Sushma Swaraj said both India and France will take forward cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. Defence ties between both countries are deep and multifaceted. Both India and France discussed counter terror with EAM Sushma saying "India and France have cooperation on counter-terror especially at FATF". French FM talked about the "shared commitment to fighting terrorism, as we mark ten years since the deadly Mumbai attacks." Both countries are also planning to launch joint projects in Africa. On people to people front, France plans to host 10,000 Indian students annually by 2020. This is the second meeting between the External Affairs Minister and French foreign minister this year. They earlier met this year during EAM's visit to Paris. The French Foreign Minister also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier Le Drian visited Mumbai where he met Bollywood producers and conferred the French honour of Knight of the National Order of Merit on producer Ashok Amritraj. French company Atos and India's Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) signed MoU for developing supercomputers in India on the occasion.

In France, India has a partner that has never failed it: French Foreign Minister

Leaders of various opposition parties are expected to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new governments in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-nath-lists-out-priorities-as-madhya-pradesh-chief-minister-ahead-of-swearing-in-184140"> Madhya Pradesh</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-ashok-gehlot-and-sachin-pilot-to-take-oath-as-chief-minister-dy-cm-respectively-on-december-17-184105">Rajasthan</a>.

Citing sources news agency ANI said that leaders of various opposition parties including Sharad Pawar, Sharad Yadav, MK Stalin, Tejashwi Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, Arvind Kejriwal are expected to show their presence in the swearing in of the new Congress government.

ANI further added that Mamata Banerjee will send a representative in the ceremony as her mother is unwell.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sources:Sharad Pawar, Sharad Yadav, MK Stalin, Tejashwi Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, Arvind Kejriwal, among other opposition leaders will attend oath ceremony in Rajasthan &amp; Madhya Pradesh on December 17. Mamata Banerjee will send a representative because her mother is unwell <a href="https://t.co/EJAVvLaR5m">pic.twitter.com/EJAVvLaR5m</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073891102258880512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The oath ceremony of the newly elected Congress government in the two states will take place on December 17.

The Congress has appointed Kamal Nath as the new chief minister of Madhya Pradesh and Ashok Gehlot for Rajasthan.

A similar get together of opposition leaders was seen in the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy.

Opposition leaders, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, Chandrababu Naidu, Mamata Banerjee, Tejashwi Yadav, Sitaram Yechury, Sharad Pawar were present in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/karnataka-hd-kumaraswamy-takes-oath-as-cm-139225">oath ceremony of HD Kumaraswamy</a>.&nbsp;

Leaders of various opposition parties are expected to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new governments in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Citing sources news agency ANI said that leaders of various opposition parties including Sharad Pawar, Sharad Yadav, MK Stalin, Tejashwi Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, Arvind Kejriwal are expected to show their presence in the swearing in of the new Congress government.

Leaders of various opposition parties are expected to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new governments in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Citing sources news agency ANI said that leaders of various opposition parties including Sharad Pawar, Sharad Yadav, MK Stalin, Tejashwi Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, Arvind Kejriwal are expected to show their presence in the swearing in of the new Congress government. ANI further added that Mamata Banerjee will send a representative in the ceremony as her mother is unwell. Sources:Sharad Pawar, Sharad Yadav, MK Stalin, Tejashwi Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, Arvind Kejriwal, among other opposition leaders will attend oath ceremony in Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh on December 17. Mamata Banerjee will send a representative because her mother is unwell pic.twitter.com/EJAVvLaR5m — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2018 × The oath ceremony of the newly elected Congress government in the two states will take place on December 17. The Congress has appointed Kamal Nath as the new chief minister of Madhya Pradesh and Ashok Gehlot for Rajasthan. A similar get together of opposition leaders was seen in the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy. Opposition leaders, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, Chandrababu Naidu, Mamata Banerjee, Tejashwi Yadav, Sitaram Yechury, Sharad Pawar were present in the oath ceremony of HD Kumaraswamy.

Opposition leaders to attend oath ceremony of Congress CMs in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh police on Friday claimed to have busted an online cheating racket running from Pakistan with the arrest of six Indian nationals in Madhya Pradesh.

Pushpendra Singh (27), Manish Bhalse (23), Nagendra Singh (28), Sujeet Singh (22), Kiran Singh (22) and Brijendra Singh (25) were arrested for allegedly cheating people in India while working for a Pakistani gang, said Indore police's Special Task Force chief Jitendra Singh.

Pushpendra Singh, hailing from Satna district and currently living in Indore, was allegedly the kingpin of the gang in India, he said.

The accused were associated with a Pakistani gang which cheated people through the `lottery scam', he said.

The accused sent emails to people, saying they had won the lottery but would need to pay some money to get the award amount.

The victims would be asked to transfer the money through Internet banking.

While the accused arranged opening of bank accounts where the money would be transferred, their handlers in Pakistan withdrew the money. The accused were given seven per cent commission, Singh said.

"We are scrutinising the bank accounts from which the money was withdrawn," he added.

Madhya Pradesh police on Friday claimed to have busted an online cheating racket running from Pakistan with the arrest of six Indian nationals in Madhya Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh police on Friday claimed to have busted an online cheating racket running from Pakistan with the arrest of six Indian nationals in Madhya Pradesh. Pushpendra Singh (27), Manish Bhalse (23), Nagendra Singh (28), Sujeet Singh (22), Kiran Singh (22) and Brijendra Singh (25) were arrested for allegedly cheating people in India while working for a Pakistani gang, said Indore police's Special Task Force chief Jitendra Singh. Pushpendra Singh, hailing from Satna district and currently living in Indore, was allegedly the kingpin of the gang in India, he said. The accused were associated with a Pakistani gang which cheated people through the `lottery scam', he said. The accused sent emails to people, saying they had won the lottery but would need to pay some money to get the award amount. The victims would be asked to transfer the money through Internet banking. While the accused arranged opening of bank accounts where the money would be transferred, their handlers in Pakistan withdrew the money. The accused were given seven per cent commission, Singh said. "We are scrutinising the bank accounts from which the money was withdrawn," he added.

Six Indians working for Pakistani online cheating racket held

The Congress said Saturday the Supreme Court, which gave the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">government relief in the Rafale jet case</a>, has not gone into the pricing and technical aspects of the aircraft and it is only a joint parliamentary committee that can probe whether there was any irregularity in the deal.

At a press conference, Congress leader Kapil Sibal pointed to a part of Friday's judgment in which the Supreme Court said the material placed before it shows the Centre did not disclose in Parliament the pricing details of the fighter jet but revealed it to the Comptroller and Auditor General.

The apex court also said the CAG report was even examined by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.

Reacting to this, Sibal said Mallikarjun Kharge, the chairman of PAC, has said he never received any such report on Rafale jet.

"Who is responsible for this? Who said this? It was the government who said this. How did the attorney general pass the affidavit?" he said.

He also rebuked the government for not reading its own affidavits.

"This is a very serious matter and there should be an action in this case because the message among people is that CAG has cleared and Parliament has seen the deal, which is wrong," he said.

Sibal said the court has neither gone into pricing nor into the technical aspects of the deal.

"Then how can they say that the Supreme Court has given a clean chit to the government. If you (the government) have not given the evidence if the cross-examination has not happened then who gave you a clean chit. Only a JPC, which will be formed sooner or later, can probe this," he said.

Earlier Saturday, Kharge said he will request all members of the panel to summon the attorney general and the CAG to ask them when was the public auditor's report tabled in Parliament.

The Congress leader accused the government of "misleading" the court by presenting wrong information about the CAG report on the Rafale deal and demanded that the government should apologise for it.

In a relief to the Modi government, the Supreme Court Friday dismissed the pleas challenging the deal between India and France for procurement of 36 Rafale jets, saying there was no occasion to "really doubt the decision making the process" warranting setting aside of the contract.&nbsp;

The Congress said Saturday the Supreme Court, which gave the government relief in the Rafale jet case, has not gone into the pricing and technical aspects of the aircraft and it is only a joint parliamentary committee that can probe whether there was any irregularity in the deal.

The Congress said Saturday the Supreme Court, which gave the government relief in the Rafale jet case, has not gone into the pricing and technical aspects of the aircraft and it is only a joint parliamentary committee that can probe whether there was any irregularity in the deal. At a press conference, Congress leader Kapil Sibal pointed to a part of Friday's judgment in which the Supreme Court said the material placed before it shows the Centre did not disclose in Parliament the pricing details of the fighter jet but revealed it to the Comptroller and Auditor General. The apex court also said the CAG report was even examined by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament. Reacting to this, Sibal said Mallikarjun Kharge, the chairman of PAC, has said he never received any such report on Rafale jet. "Who is responsible for this? Who said this? It was the government who said this. How did the attorney general pass the affidavit?" he said. He also rebuked the government for not reading its own affidavits. "This is a very serious matter and there should be an action in this case because the message among people is that CAG has cleared and Parliament has seen the deal, which is wrong," he said. Sibal said the court has neither gone into pricing nor into the technical aspects of the deal. "Then how can they say that the Supreme Court has given a clean chit to the government. If you (the government) have not given the evidence if the cross-examination has not happened then who gave you a clean chit. Only a JPC, which will be formed sooner or later, can probe this," he said. Earlier Saturday, Kharge said he will request all members of the panel to summon the attorney general and the CAG to ask them when was the public auditor's report tabled in Parliament. The Congress leader accused the government of "misleading" the court by presenting wrong information about the CAG report on the Rafale deal and demanded that the government should apologise for it. In a relief to the Modi government, the Supreme Court Friday dismissed the pleas challenging the deal between India and France for procurement of 36 Rafale jets, saying there was no occasion to "really doubt the decision making the process" warranting setting aside of the contract.

Supreme Court didn't go into pricing, technical aspects of Rafale; only JPC can probe deal: Congress

The National Green Tribunal has set aside Tamil Nadu government's closure order of Vedanta`s copper smelter plant permanently saying it was non-sustainable and unjustified.

The green court`s decision came months after the smelter was ordered shut by Tamil Nadu over alleged pollution that led to violent protests in May, which culminated in police opening fire on demonstrators and killing 13.

However, the smelter plant is unlikely to resume production anytime soon as the Tamil Nadu state government is expected to appeal against the verdict to the country`s top court, reported Reuters.

"Our stand is clear: we do not want this smelter to reopen," Tamil Nadu`s environment minister, K.C. Karuppannan, said in a televised news conference after the court order.&nbsp;

The court directed the Tamil Nadu state pollution regulator to pass a fresh order of renewal of consent for Vedanta`s copper smelter within 3 weeks. It also directed the company to spend 1 billion rupees ($13.91 million) within a period of three years for the welfare of inhabitants in the area, according to the report.

"We allow this appeal, set aside the impugned orders and direct the TNPCB (Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board) to pass a fresh order of renewal of consent and authorisation to handle hazardous substances ... within three weeks from today," the National Green Tribunal said in the order.

The National Green Tribunal has set aside Tamil Nadu government's closure order of Vedanta`s copper smelter plant permanently saying it was non-sustainable and unjustified.

The National Green Tribunal has set aside Tamil Nadu government's closure order of Vedanta`s copper smelter plant permanently saying it was non-sustainable and unjustified. The green court`s decision came months after the smelter was ordered shut by Tamil Nadu over alleged pollution that led to violent protests in May, which culminated in police opening fire on demonstrators and killing 13. However, the smelter plant is unlikely to resume production anytime soon as the Tamil Nadu state government is expected to appeal against the verdict to the country`s top court, reported Reuters. "Our stand is clear: we do not want this smelter to reopen," Tamil Nadu`s environment minister, K.C. Karuppannan, said in a televised news conference after the court order. The court directed the Tamil Nadu state pollution regulator to pass a fresh order of renewal of consent for Vedanta`s copper smelter within 3 weeks. It also directed the company to spend 1 billion rupees ($13.91 million) within a period of three years for the welfare of inhabitants in the area, according to the report. "We allow this appeal, set aside the impugned orders and direct the TNPCB (Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board) to pass a fresh order of renewal of consent and authorisation to handle hazardous substances ... within three weeks from today," the National Green Tribunal said in the order.

NGT clears way for reopening Thoothukudi Sterlite plant, Tamil Nadu govt to appeal

The Patiala House Court on Saturday extended the CBI custody of&nbsp;Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland case, by four days.&nbsp;

The next hearing in the case is is scheduled for December 19.

The court meanwhile&nbsp;rejected the plea of Michel's lawyer Rosemary Patrizi demanding a meeting with Michel. However, allowed Patrizi to talk to Michel for ten minutes.

The investigating bureau&nbsp;had sought for an extension in the remand of Michael by five days.

The probe agency also told the judge he needs to be confronted with various documents in the case.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AgustaWestland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AgustaWestland</a> case: CBI seeks further 5 days remand of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChristianMichel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChristianMichel</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073880214600601600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Rosemary Patrizi, lawyer of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChristianMichel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChristianMichel</a> arrives in Delhi's Patiala House Court. Michel's custody ends today <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AgustaWestland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AgustaWestland</a> <a href="https://t.co/6MAcmPTIzD">pic.twitter.com/6MAcmPTIzD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073870882475532288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4.&nbsp;

The next day, he was produced before the court which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI which was later extended to five more days.

Michel is one of the three middlemen being probed in the case, besides Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, by the ED and the CBI. Both the agencies notified an Interpol red corner notice (RCN) against him after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him.&nbsp;

The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Patiala House Court on Saturday extended the CBI custody of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland case, by four days. The next hearing in the case is is scheduled for December 19.

The Patiala House Court on Saturday extended the CBI custody of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland case, by four days. The next hearing in the case is is scheduled for December 19. The court meanwhile rejected the plea of Michel's lawyer Rosemary Patrizi demanding a meeting with Michel. However, allowed Patrizi to talk to Michel for ten minutes. The investigating bureau had sought for an extension in the remand of Michael by five days. The probe agency also told the judge he needs to be confronted with various documents in the case. #AgustaWestland case: CBI seeks further 5 days remand of #ChristianMichel — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2018 × Rosemary Patrizi, lawyer of #ChristianMichel arrives in Delhi's Patiala House Court. Michel's custody ends today #AgustaWestland pic.twitter.com/6MAcmPTIzD — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2018 × Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. The next day, he was produced before the court which allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI which was later extended to five more days. Michel is one of the three middlemen being probed in the case, besides Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, by the ED and the CBI. Both the agencies notified an Interpol red corner notice (RCN) against him after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him. The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth Euro 556.262 million. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received EUR 30 million (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland. (With inputs from agencies)

AgustaWestland case: Court extends Christian Michel's CBI custody by 4 days

India is all set to roll out the red carpet for the New Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who will be on a 3-day India visit from Sunday.&nbsp;

Solih arrives in India at 2 pm on Sunday. The 3-day visit from 16-18th will see the President meeting Indian business leaders, being accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and address a joint press conference&nbsp;with Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.&nbsp;

He will also visit Agra during his India visit.&nbsp;

This will be President Solih's first visit abroad after assuming office and comes exactly a month after PM Modi visited Maldives to attend his&nbsp;swearing-in ceremony.&nbsp;

Solih took charge as the new President of the Indian Ocean Island country on 17 November and PM Modi was the only head of state invited for the ceremony.

Earlier, speaking to WION on President's visit, Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid said, "President will bring a message of goodwill of returning India-Maldives relation to normalcy. We recognise the long-standing generosity of the Indian government that will be the message, President Solih will bring"&nbsp;

Shahid also told WION&nbsp;that both countries will sign a visa agreement to ease people to people contact&nbsp;between both the countries.&nbsp;

"Visa agreement will ease difficulties faced by parents of Maldivian students studying in India &amp; Maldivians who travel to India for medical treatment," he said.

The previous Abdulla Yameen government not only junked the pro-India "India First Policy" but had decreased work permits or visas to Indians impacting people to people contact between the two countries.

Yameen, who was pro-Beijing, had signed a free trade agreement with China and allowed a number of Chinese infrastructure projects to be developed in the island country.

The Maldives has already started to reverse anti-India policies of former President Yameen.

Speaking to WION just a day after being made defence minister Mariya Didi she said two Indian helicopters which Yameen had asked New Delhi to take back the helicopter, will stay in the Maldives.&nbsp;

"It’s not in our culture to ask neighbours to take back what they give. The helicopters can be put to good use for medical evacuations &amp; for search and rescue," she said.

India also plans to increase infrastructure financing in the South Asian country which is approximately 1000 kilometres away from India's Malabar coast. India already been a leading development partner of Maldives and has established many of the leading institutions of Maldives.

When the tsunami struck the Maldives on December 26, 2004, India was the first country to rush relief and aid to the Maldives.&nbsp;

India is all set to roll out the red carpet for the New Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who will be on a 3-day India visit from Sunday. Solih arrives in India at 2 pm on Sunday.

India is all set to roll out the red carpet for the New Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who will be on a 3-day India visit from Sunday. Solih arrives in India at 2 pm on Sunday. The 3-day visit from 16-18th will see the President meeting Indian business leaders, being accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and address a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. He will also visit Agra during his India visit. This will be President Solih's first visit abroad after assuming office and comes exactly a month after PM Modi visited Maldives to attend his swearing-in ceremony. Solih took charge as the new President of the Indian Ocean Island country on 17 November and PM Modi was the only head of state invited for the ceremony. Earlier, speaking to WION on President's visit, Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid said, "President will bring a message of goodwill of returning India-Maldives relation to normalcy. We recognise the long-standing generosity of the Indian government that will be the message, President Solih will bring" Shahid also told WION that both countries will sign a visa agreement to ease people to people contact between both the countries. "Visa agreement will ease difficulties faced by parents of Maldivian students studying in India & Maldivians who travel to India for medical treatment," he said. The previous Abdulla Yameen government not only junked the pro-India "India First Policy" but had decreased work permits or visas to Indians impacting people to people contact between the two countries. Yameen, who was pro-Beijing, had signed a free trade agreement with China and allowed a number of Chinese infrastructure projects to be developed in the island country. The Maldives has already started to reverse anti-India policies of former President Yameen. Speaking to WION just a day after being made defence minister Mariya Didi she said two Indian helicopters which Yameen had asked New Delhi to take back the helicopter, will stay in the Maldives. "It’s not in our culture to ask neighbours to take back what they give. The helicopters can be put to good use for medical evacuations & for search and rescue," she said. India also plans to increase infrastructure financing in the South Asian country which is approximately 1000 kilometres away from India's Malabar coast. India already been a leading development partner of Maldives and has established many of the leading institutions of Maldives. When the tsunami struck the Maldives on December 26, 2004, India was the first country to rush relief and aid to the Maldives.

New Maldivian president Solih arrives in India on Sunday; visa pact on the cards

Hours after a&nbsp;three-judge Supreme Court bench said that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required</a>,&nbsp;Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at the Congress party and said ''falsehood has short life''.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Arun Jaitley addressed a rare joint press conference on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sitharaman said that on all three counts over which concerns were raised, the Supreme Court had today come out with a clear verdict. The matter has been thoroughly through the court and&nbsp;laid to rest, she said.

The Court clearly said "no evidence of commercial favouritism," Sitharaman added.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley: Falsehood has a very short life. In this case, it was a few months. Falsehood lowers the credibility of its creator. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RafaleDeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RafaleDeal</a> <a href="https://t.co/BBG1F9JBUo">pic.twitter.com/BBG1F9JBUo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073531352048394241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Jaitley&nbsp;stated that the Supreme Court has clearly deemed the purchase of the aircraft as "very important" to the country's defence and added&nbsp;"disrupters have lost."

Arun Jaitley lashed out at the Opposition stating that "Congress' fictional writing compromised national security."
<img alt="Rafale deal" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e0aa6f86-b3cd-485a-92e1-a33a7bc5e843" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/RAFALE%20DEAL%20CREATIVE%20%281%29.jpg" />
He added that the deal "protected both security and commercial interest of India."

"Security interest because it increases combat ability of India, commercial interest because the final price was significantly lower both for aircraft and weaponised aircraft than what was negotiated in 2007 and 2012," the Finance Minister noted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
FM: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RafaleDeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RafaleDeal</a> protected both security&amp;commercial interest of India. Security interest because it increases combat ability of India, commercial interest because the final price was significantly lower both for aircraft&amp;weaponised aircraft than what was negotiated in 2007 &amp; 2012. <a href="https://t.co/ARWkNnsb1m">pic.twitter.com/ARWkNnsb1m</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073533171910762496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"All the figures by the govt are correct and all the figures by Mr Rahul Gandhi are false and I have justified it... The truth has only one version and falsehood has many. That is why Mr Rahul Gandhi quoted several figures," Jaitley said.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley: All the figures by the govt are correct and all the figures by Mr Rahul Gandhi are false and I have justified it... The truth has only one version and falsehood has many. That is why Mr Rahul Gandhi quoted several figures. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RafaleDeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RafaleDeal</a> <a href="https://t.co/fIyD1d13g4">pic.twitter.com/fIyD1d13g4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073535476634714114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A three-judge Supreme Court bench today said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required.

Chief Justice of India(CJI) Ranjan Gogoi said the need and quality control of the Rafale deal wasn't in question. The top court ruled out probe into the pricing details of the deal.

"There is no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the Rafale deal," the court said while delivering the verdict.

"We can't compel the government to purchase 126 aircraft&nbsp;and its not proper for the court to examine each aspect of this case. It isn't a job of the court to compare pricing details," it said, adding,"we don't find substantial matter to interfere with the issue of procurement, pricing and offset partner in Rafale jet deal."&nbsp;

The top court dismissed all petitions pertaining to the Rafale fighter jet deal.

"Perception of individuals can't be the basis for roving inquiry in sensitive issue of defence procurement," the apex court added.&nbsp;

Hours after a three-judge Supreme Court bench said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at the Congress party and said ''falsehood has short life''.

Hours after a three-judge Supreme Court bench said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hit out at the Congress party and said ''falsehood has short life''. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Arun Jaitley addressed a rare joint press conference on Friday. Sitharaman said that on all three counts over which concerns were raised, the Supreme Court had today come out with a clear verdict. The matter has been thoroughly through the court and laid to rest, she said. The Court clearly said "no evidence of commercial favouritism," Sitharaman added. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley: Falsehood has a very short life. In this case, it was a few months. Falsehood lowers the credibility of its creator. #RafaleDeal pic.twitter.com/BBG1F9JBUo — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × Jaitley stated that the Supreme Court has clearly deemed the purchase of the aircraft as "very important" to the country's defence and added "disrupters have lost." Arun Jaitley lashed out at the Opposition stating that "Congress' fictional writing compromised national security." He added that the deal "protected both security and commercial interest of India." "Security interest because it increases combat ability of India, commercial interest because the final price was significantly lower both for aircraft and weaponised aircraft than what was negotiated in 2007 and 2012," the Finance Minister noted. FM: #RafaleDeal protected both security&commercial interest of India. Security interest because it increases combat ability of India, commercial interest because the final price was significantly lower both for aircraft&weaponised aircraft than what was negotiated in 2007 & 2012. pic.twitter.com/ARWkNnsb1m — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × "All the figures by the govt are correct and all the figures by Mr Rahul Gandhi are false and I have justified it... The truth has only one version and falsehood has many. That is why Mr Rahul Gandhi quoted several figures," Jaitley said. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley: All the figures by the govt are correct and all the figures by Mr Rahul Gandhi are false and I have justified it... The truth has only one version and falsehood has many. That is why Mr Rahul Gandhi quoted several figures. #RafaleDeal pic.twitter.com/fIyD1d13g4 — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × A three-judge Supreme Court bench today said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required. Chief Justice of India(CJI) Ranjan Gogoi said the need and quality control of the Rafale deal wasn't in question. The top court ruled out probe into the pricing details of the deal. "There is no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the Rafale deal," the court said while delivering the verdict. "We can't compel the government to purchase 126 aircraft and its not proper for the court to examine each aspect of this case. It isn't a job of the court to compare pricing details," it said, adding,"we don't find substantial matter to interfere with the issue of procurement, pricing and offset partner in Rafale jet deal." The top court dismissed all petitions pertaining to the Rafale fighter jet deal. "Perception of individuals can't be the basis for roving inquiry in sensitive issue of defence procurement," the apex court added.

Falsehood has a short life: Arun Jaitley after Supreme Court's judgement on Rafale deal

Three terrorists, one Army jawan and eight civilians were killed in an encounter in Kharpora Sirnoo village of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.&nbsp;

The incident took place at Sirnoo village in the morning when the security forces laid siege to a locality based on intelligence reports about the presence of three terrorists, including an Army deserter - Zahoor Ahmad Thoker, in the area, police officials said.

Thoker had gone missing from an Army unit in the Gantmulla area of north Kashmir's Baramulla district in July last year.

He had decamped with his service rifle and three magazines and had joined the terrorist&nbsp;ranks.

The security forces said Thoker was involved in several killings in J&amp;K.

The identities of two other terrorists were being ascertained.

The officials said an army jawan lost his life in the gunfight, while two other soldiers were critical.

Authorities have imposed curfew in Pulwama town and have deployed high security to maintain law and order in the wake of the civilian deaths.

Mobile internet services were suspended in the district while rail services between the Kashmir Valley and Bannihal town in the Jammu region were cancelled. 
 
(With inputs from PTI)

Three terrorists, one Army jawan and eight civilians were killed in an encounter in Kharpora Sirnoo village of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.

Three terrorists, one Army jawan and eight civilians were killed in an encounter in Kharpora Sirnoo village of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. The incident took place at Sirnoo village in the morning when the security forces laid siege to a locality based on intelligence reports about the presence of three terrorists, including an Army deserter - Zahoor Ahmad Thoker, in the area, police officials said. Thoker had gone missing from an Army unit in the Gantmulla area of north Kashmir's Baramulla district in July last year. He had decamped with his service rifle and three magazines and had joined the terrorist ranks. The security forces said Thoker was involved in several killings in J&K. The identities of two other terrorists were being ascertained. The officials said an army jawan lost his life in the gunfight, while two other soldiers were critical. Authorities have imposed curfew in Pulwama town and have deployed high security to maintain law and order in the wake of the civilian deaths. Mobile internet services were suspended in the district while rail services between the Kashmir Valley and Bannihal town in the Jammu region were cancelled. (With inputs from PTI)

Pulwama encounter: 8 civilians, 3 terrorists and one soldier among 12 dead

The Congress party late Thursday announced Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Kamal Nath as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-two-most-powerful-warriors-are-patience-and-time-tweets-rahul-as-suspense-over-cms-continues-183835">chief minister</a> of the state.&nbsp;

Nath will lead the newly-elected Congress government in the state, the party said.

''An era of change is upon MP with him (Kamal Nath) at the helm,'' a tweet from the official Congress party handle said.

There will be no deputy chief minister post, according to the report.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Our best wishes to Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfKNath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficeOfKNath</a> for being elected CM of Madhya Pradesh. An era of change is upon MP with him at the helm. <a href="https://t.co/iHJe43AB9v">pic.twitter.com/iHJe43AB9v</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1073272462987722752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The announcement comes following a prolonged delay in announcing the CM candidate after the Congress dethroned BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

With 114 Congress candidates elected, the party fell two short of simple majority. &nbsp;However, after roping in BSP (2) and SP (1) and four independent candidates, the party crossed the half-way mark required to form the government.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Kamal Nath to be the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. There will not be a Deputy Chief Minister in MP. <a href="https://t.co/XtdRyc7eXF">pic.twitter.com/XtdRyc7eXF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073267069632856064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

72-year-old Nath will assume the post of chief minister for the first time in his illustrious political career spanning over four decades.&nbsp;

The Congress party late Thursday announced Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Kamal Nath as chief minister of the state. Nath will lead the newly-elected Congress government in the state, the party said.

The Congress party late Thursday announced Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Kamal Nath as chief minister of the state. Nath will lead the newly-elected Congress government in the state, the party said. ''An era of change is upon MP with him (Kamal Nath) at the helm,'' a tweet from the official Congress party handle said. There will be no deputy chief minister post, according to the report. Our best wishes to Shri @OfficeOfKNath for being elected CM of Madhya Pradesh. An era of change is upon MP with him at the helm. pic.twitter.com/iHJe43AB9v — Congress (@INCIndia) December 13, 2018 × The announcement comes following a prolonged delay in announcing the CM candidate after the Congress dethroned BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan. With 114 Congress candidates elected, the party fell two short of simple majority. However, after roping in BSP (2) and SP (1) and four independent candidates, the party crossed the half-way mark required to form the government. Kamal Nath to be the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. There will not be a Deputy Chief Minister in MP. pic.twitter.com/XtdRyc7eXF — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018 × 72-year-old Nath will assume the post of chief minister for the first time in his illustrious political career spanning over four decades.

Suspense ends, Kamal Nath is the new Madhya Pradesh CM

&nbsp;Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel here on Friday said that he will accept whatever responsibility his party`s leadership will accord him with. Baghel is a frontrunner in the race for chief ministership in Chhattisgarh.

Baghel has been Chhattisgarh president of the Congress for the last five years and took Raman Singh-led BJP government head-on in the recently concluded elections.

Speaking to ANI, Baghel said, "After the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-time-for-change-rahul-gandhi-after-poll-results-183326">elections results</a>, the observer came here (Chhattisgarh) and had a meeting with all MLAs (Member of Legislative Assembly). It was mutually decided that the final decision will be taken by Congress high command.

"Whatever responsibility leadership will give, we will follow," Baghel added.

Along with Baghel, other contenders for the post are Leader of the opposition in previous state Assembly TS Singh Deo, Congress OBC wing`s chief Tamradhwaj Singh and former Union minister Chandras Mahant.

On December 11, the Congress party rose to power in the state after thrashing BJP and winning 68 seats

&nbsp;

Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel here on Friday said that he will accept whatever responsibility his party`s leadership will accord him with. Baghel is a frontrunner in the race for chief ministership in Chhattisgarh.

Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel here on Friday said that he will accept whatever responsibility his party`s leadership will accord him with. Baghel is a frontrunner in the race for chief ministership in Chhattisgarh. Baghel has been Chhattisgarh president of the Congress for the last five years and took Raman Singh-led BJP government head-on in the recently concluded elections. Speaking to ANI, Baghel said, "After the elections results, the observer came here (Chhattisgarh) and had a meeting with all MLAs (Member of Legislative Assembly). It was mutually decided that the final decision will be taken by Congress high command. "Whatever responsibility leadership will give, we will follow," Baghel added. Along with Baghel, other contenders for the post are Leader of the opposition in previous state Assembly TS Singh Deo, Congress OBC wing`s chief Tamradhwaj Singh and former Union minister Chandras Mahant. On December 11, the Congress party rose to power in the state after thrashing BJP and winning 68 seats

Chhattisgarh: Will do as party says, Bhupesh Baghel

&nbsp;LJP leader Chirag Paswan has said that the poll results in five states were not a sign of the Modi wave waning but the people wanted development from the NDA and they were disappointed when discourses about the Ram Temple took the centre stage.

He told reporters on Thursday that chief ministers of BJP-ruled states Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/assembly-election-results-2018-fight-in-mp-shows-why-shivraj-singh-chouhan-is-still-in-the-reckoning-183397c">Shivraj Singh Chauhan</a> and Raman Singh, had been in power for a long time but they gave a tough fight despite the anti-incumbency factor.

The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) is an ally of the NDA and its president Ram Vilas Paswan is a Union minister.

"I would not say the results are a sign of the Modi wave being on the wane or the BJP being on the downside... But, certainly, there is a need for introspection," Paswan, the chairman of the LJP parliamentary board, said.

To queries about what lessons, in his view, could be drawn from the BJP's defeat in Hindi heartland states, he said, "I would not speak in terms of lessons as such. But certainly, development has been the motto of the BJP as also the larger NDA coalition. When issues like Ram Temple and Hanuman start dominating the discourse, it leads to doubts and disappointment among the voters."

During campaigning for the polls in these states, senior BJP leaders such as the party's national president Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were accused of playing the Hindutva card.

To a question on the possibility of the Narendra Modi government bringing in an ordinance to facilitate the construction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya, Chirag Paswan said, "If such an ordinance is brought, the LJP will think over it and come out with its stand. As of now, the party is in favour of waiting till the court comes out with its verdict on the issue."

He said the LJP has never raised any unreasonable demand from the BJP.

"We have been a responsible alliance partner and are fully committed to ensuring the prime minister's return to power. We want the NDA to perform better than it did in 2014," the LJP leader said.

With the exit of Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP), the NDA in Bihar is now left with the LJP and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U).

Speculation is rife that following the BJP's recent defeat in polls, the remaining two NDA constituents in Bihar may flex their muscles.&nbsp;

LJP leader Chirag Paswan has said that the poll results in five states were not a sign of the Modi wave waning but the people wanted development from the NDA and they were disappointed when discourses about the Ram Temple took the centre stage.

LJP leader Chirag Paswan has said that the poll results in five states were not a sign of the Modi wave waning but the people wanted development from the NDA and they were disappointed when discourses about the Ram Temple took the centre stage. He told reporters on Thursday that chief ministers of BJP-ruled states Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Raman Singh, had been in power for a long time but they gave a tough fight despite the anti-incumbency factor. The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) is an ally of the NDA and its president Ram Vilas Paswan is a Union minister. "I would not say the results are a sign of the Modi wave being on the wane or the BJP being on the downside... But, certainly, there is a need for introspection," Paswan, the chairman of the LJP parliamentary board, said. To queries about what lessons, in his view, could be drawn from the BJP's defeat in Hindi heartland states, he said, "I would not speak in terms of lessons as such. But certainly, development has been the motto of the BJP as also the larger NDA coalition. When issues like Ram Temple and Hanuman start dominating the discourse, it leads to doubts and disappointment among the voters." During campaigning for the polls in these states, senior BJP leaders such as the party's national president Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were accused of playing the Hindutva card. To a question on the possibility of the Narendra Modi government bringing in an ordinance to facilitate the construction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya, Chirag Paswan said, "If such an ordinance is brought, the LJP will think over it and come out with its stand. As of now, the party is in favour of waiting till the court comes out with its verdict on the issue." He said the LJP has never raised any unreasonable demand from the BJP. "We have been a responsible alliance partner and are fully committed to ensuring the prime minister's return to power. We want the NDA to perform better than it did in 2014," the LJP leader said. With the exit of Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP), the NDA in Bihar is now left with the LJP and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U). Speculation is rife that following the BJP's recent defeat in polls, the remaining two NDA constituents in Bihar may flex their muscles.

People got disappointed over Ram, Hanuman dominating discourse: Chirag

&nbsp;The crucial central board meeting of the Reserve Bank is underway Friday morning to discuss contentious issues including a new economic capital framework (ECF) for the central bank and relaxation in the prompt corrective action norms for at least some of 12 state-run banks.

This is the first board meet chaired by the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-uphold-autonomy-of-rbi-new-governor-shaktikanta-das-183476">newly- appointed Shaktikanta Das</a>, who took over as the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/shaktikanta-das-assumes-charge-as-rbi-governor-183416">25th governor</a> on Wednesday.

In the previous board meeting, held on November 19, the board had decided to constitute a committee of experts to fix the appropriate level of economic capital framework (ECF) that the central bank should hold at any given time and the membership and terms of reference of which will be jointly determined by government and RBI.

The issue of transfer of RBI's excess reserves, which stood at Rs 9.43 lakh crore as of June 2018, to the government has been one of the contentious issues between the government and the central bank for a long time and also one of the key reasons for the sudden <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-resigns-cites-personal-reasons-182915">resignation of Urjit Patel</a> Monday.

The 18-member RBI board will also deliberate on the relaxation of prompt corrective action norms. Of the 21 state-owned banks, 11 are under the PCA framework, which imposes lending and other restrictions on weak lenders.

These are Allahabad Bank, United Bank of India, Corporation Bank, IDBI Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Dena Bank and Bank of Maharashtra.

On Thursday, Das met the chiefs of a few state-run banks to discuss their concerns. Lenders requested the governor to ease the PCA norms and also sought relaxation in the one-day default norm announced in the February 12 RBI circular on the reclassification of NPAs.

At the November 19 meeting, the RBI board had also decided to refer the issue of relaxing PCA framework to the Board of Financial Supervision (BFS) of the central bank.

Unlike the last meet, which lasted for 10 hours, Friday's meeting is likely to get over by afternoon.&nbsp;

The crucial central board meeting of the Reserve Bank is underway Friday morning to discuss contentious issues including a new economic capital framework (ECF) for the central bank and relaxation in the prompt corrective action norms for at least some of 12 state-run banks.

The crucial central board meeting of the Reserve Bank is underway Friday morning to discuss contentious issues including a new economic capital framework (ECF) for the central bank and relaxation in the prompt corrective action norms for at least some of 12 state-run banks. This is the first board meet chaired by the newly- appointed Shaktikanta Das, who took over as the 25th governor on Wednesday. In the previous board meeting, held on November 19, the board had decided to constitute a committee of experts to fix the appropriate level of economic capital framework (ECF) that the central bank should hold at any given time and the membership and terms of reference of which will be jointly determined by government and RBI. The issue of transfer of RBI's excess reserves, which stood at Rs 9.43 lakh crore as of June 2018, to the government has been one of the contentious issues between the government and the central bank for a long time and also one of the key reasons for the sudden resignation of Urjit Patel Monday. The 18-member RBI board will also deliberate on the relaxation of prompt corrective action norms. Of the 21 state-owned banks, 11 are under the PCA framework, which imposes lending and other restrictions on weak lenders. These are Allahabad Bank, United Bank of India, Corporation Bank, IDBI Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Dena Bank and Bank of Maharashtra. On Thursday, Das met the chiefs of a few state-run banks to discuss their concerns. Lenders requested the governor to ease the PCA norms and also sought relaxation in the one-day default norm announced in the February 12 RBI circular on the reclassification of NPAs. At the November 19 meeting, the RBI board had also decided to refer the issue of relaxing PCA framework to the Board of Financial Supervision (BFS) of the central bank. Unlike the last meet, which lasted for 10 hours, Friday's meeting is likely to get over by afternoon.

RBI board meeting gets underway

The treasury benches on Friday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">mounted a counter-offensive</a> on the opposition on the Rafale issue in Lok Sabha after the Supreme Court gave a clean chit to the deal, with the government seeking an apology from Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

As soon as the Question Hour was taken up, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-was-crystal-clear-from-the-beginning-rajnath-singh-on-rafale-jets-deal-verdict-183966">opposition members trooped</a> into the Well carrying placards on various issues, including alleged scam in Rafale deal.

But BJP members stood up and started raising slogans against the Congress and Rahul Gandhi.

Parliamentary affairs minister Narendra Singh Tomar said following the Supreme Court verdict, Rahul Gandhi should apologise.

Amid loud sloganeering, around 11.10 am(IST), Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House till noon.

The Supreme Court on Friday gave a clean chit to the Narendra Modi government on the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France.

The apex court said there was no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the multi-billion dollar Rafale deal.&nbsp;

"There is no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the Rafale deal," the court said while delivering the verdict.

The top court dismissed all petitions related to the Rafale fighter jet deal.

The treasury benches on Friday mounted a counter-offensive on the opposition on the Rafale issue in Lok Sabha after the Supreme Court gave a clean chit to the deal, with the government seeking an apology from Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

The treasury benches on Friday mounted a counter-offensive on the opposition on the Rafale issue in Lok Sabha after the Supreme Court gave a clean chit to the deal, with the government seeking an apology from Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. As soon as the Question Hour was taken up, opposition members trooped into the Well carrying placards on various issues, including alleged scam in Rafale deal. But BJP members stood up and started raising slogans against the Congress and Rahul Gandhi. Parliamentary affairs minister Narendra Singh Tomar said following the Supreme Court verdict, Rahul Gandhi should apologise. Amid loud sloganeering, around 11.10 am(IST), Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House till noon. The Supreme Court on Friday gave a clean chit to the Narendra Modi government on the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France. The apex court said there was no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the multi-billion dollar Rafale deal. "There is no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the Rafale deal," the court said while delivering the verdict. The top court dismissed all petitions related to the Rafale fighter jet deal.

Ruckus in Lok Sabha over Rafale deal; Parliamentary affairs minister Tomar seeks apology from Rahul Gandhi

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-was-crystal-clear-from-the-beginning-rajnath-singh-on-rafale-jets-deal-verdict-183966">BJP</a> Friday demanded an apology from the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi for levying allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale fighter jet deal, in which the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">Supreme Court has given the government a clean chit</a>.

The apex court dismissed all the petitions seeking a direction to the CBI to register an FIR for alleged irregularities in the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France and said there was no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the multi-billion dollar defense deal.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-judgement-totally-wrong-says-petitioner-prashant-bhushan-on-rafale-verdict-183979">Our campaign certainly won't drop, says petitioner Prashant Bhushan on Rafale verdict</a>

Welcoming the judgement, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said, "Every deal is not Bofors deal."&nbsp;

"It is the culture and tradition of Congress and its top leadership to mint money from such deals on the cost of country's national security," he said.

Rahul Gandhi and the Congress should apologise to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making false allegations against him and questioning his credibility, he added.&nbsp;

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said there is a necessity for fighter aircraft and the country cannot remain without the jets.

The CJI, who read out the judgement for the three-judge bench, said no reasons were found to interfere in the procurement process for the fighter jets.

The verdict was pronounced on a batch of pleas seeking a court-monitored probe into deal.

The BJP Friday demanded an apology from the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi for levying allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale fighter jet deal, in which the Supreme Court has given the government a clean chit.

The BJP Friday demanded an apology from the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi for levying allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale fighter jet deal, in which the Supreme Court has given the government a clean chit. The apex court dismissed all the petitions seeking a direction to the CBI to register an FIR for alleged irregularities in the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France and said there was no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the multi-billion dollar defense deal. Also read: Our campaign certainly won't drop, says petitioner Prashant Bhushan on Rafale verdict Welcoming the judgement, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said, "Every deal is not Bofors deal." "It is the culture and tradition of Congress and its top leadership to mint money from such deals on the cost of country's national security," he said. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress should apologise to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making false allegations against him and questioning his credibility, he added. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said there is a necessity for fighter aircraft and the country cannot remain without the jets. The CJI, who read out the judgement for the three-judge bench, said no reasons were found to interfere in the procurement process for the fighter jets. The verdict was pronounced on a batch of pleas seeking a court-monitored probe into deal.

Rafale deal verdict: BJP demands apology to PM Modi from Congress and Rahul Gandhi

One of the main petitioners of Rafale jet deal petition in Supreme Court, Prashant Bhusan on Friday called the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">verdict</a> "totally wrong" and told media that they may file a review petition.

"In our opinion, the Supreme Court judgement is totally wrong, the campaign will certainly not drop and we will decide if we will file a review petition," Prashant Bhushan said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Prashant Bhushan: In our opinion the Supreme Court judgement is totally wrong, the campaign will certainly not drop and we will decide if we will file a review petition <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafaledeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafaledeal</a> <a href="https://t.co/djJheTLAhr">https://t.co/djJheTLAhr</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073453506584080385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed all petitions pertaining to multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jets deal saying that they are satisfied that "there is no occasion to doubt the process."

Meanwhile, home minister Rajnath Singh while hailing the court verdict said that "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-was-crystal-clear-from-the-beginning-rajnath-singh-on-rafale-jets-deal-verdict-183966">the matter was crystal clear from the beginning</a>".&nbsp;

"We have been saying that the allegations levelled by Congress were baseless and to gain political mileage," Rajnasth Singh added.

A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required.

India signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as part of the upgrading process of the Indian Air Force equipment. The estimated cost of the deal is Rs 58,000 crore.

The petitions seeking the probe in the Rafale deal were first filed by advocates Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda. Later, AAP MP Sanjay Singh had also filed a petition.

Former union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan had also filed a joint petition in the apex court.

Last month, the Centre had submitted the pricing details of the 36 Rafale fighter jets to the top court.

The Centre in its submission had said that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval was secured before the deal was inked with France. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation. 
&nbsp;

One of the main petitioners of Rafale jet deal petition in Supreme Court, Prashant Bhusan on Friday called the verdict "totally wrong" and told media that they may file a review petition.

One of the main petitioners of Rafale jet deal petition in Supreme Court, Prashant Bhusan on Friday called the verdict "totally wrong" and told media that they may file a review petition. "In our opinion, the Supreme Court judgement is totally wrong, the campaign will certainly not drop and we will decide if we will file a review petition," Prashant Bhushan said. Prashant Bhushan: In our opinion the Supreme Court judgement is totally wrong, the campaign will certainly not drop and we will decide if we will file a review petition #Rafaledeal https://t.co/djJheTLAhr — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed all petitions pertaining to multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jets deal saying that they are satisfied that "there is no occasion to doubt the process." Meanwhile, home minister Rajnath Singh while hailing the court verdict said that "the matter was crystal clear from the beginning". "We have been saying that the allegations levelled by Congress were baseless and to gain political mileage," Rajnasth Singh added. A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required. India signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as part of the upgrading process of the Indian Air Force equipment. The estimated cost of the deal is Rs 58,000 crore. The petitions seeking the probe in the Rafale deal were first filed by advocates Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda. Later, AAP MP Sanjay Singh had also filed a petition. Former union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan had also filed a joint petition in the apex court. Last month, the Centre had submitted the pricing details of the 36 Rafale fighter jets to the top court. The Centre in its submission had said that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval was secured before the deal was inked with France. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation.

Our campaign certainly won't drop, says petitioner Prashant Bhushan on Rafale verdict

In the press and on television, you see the handshakes between and the big announcements by the leaders of countries. But what sort of preparation goes into these engagements, and what goes on behind the scenes?

India can provide talented people for our development: Japan ambassador on WION's The Diplomacy Show

On a day the Supreme Court dismissed pleas challenging Rafale deal, Swaraj Abhiyan's founder member and one of the petitioners in the case, Prashant Bhushan Friday said he was disappointed over the court's "conservative view" and claimed "new disclosures" were expected soon in the matter.

He also expressed shock that the judgement on the deal between India and France was based on "false information" about CAG report.

"Disappointed that the court has taken a conservative view of judicial review in cases of defence deal corruption involving high functionaries," Bhushan said in a statement.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Read statement issued by Yashwant Sinha, Arun shourie &amp; myself on the disappointing and indeed shocking judgement of the Supreme Court on the Rafale deal. Apart from not dealing the issues raised by us, the judgement makes several grotesque factual errors<a href="https://t.co/ZH1nLgXcoh">https://t.co/ZH1nLgXcoh</a>
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) <a href="https://twitter.com/pbhushan1/status/1073553815088054272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He said the "scandal" involving the deal will continue to agitate people in the country.

"The scandal will continue to agitate the public mind - new disclosures are expected soon," the activist-lawyer said.

Bhushan was one of the petitioners who had approached the Supreme Court seeking an independent court-monitored investigation into the Rafale deal.

In a relief to the Modi government, the Supreme Court Friday dismissed the pleas challenging the deal between India and France for procurement of 36 Rafale jets saying there was no occasion to "really doubt the decision making the process" warranting setting aside of the contract.

The court rejected the pleas which sought lodging of an FIR and a court-monitored probe alleging irregularities in the Rs 58,000 crore deal, in which both the countries have entered into an inter-governmental agreement (IGA).&nbsp;

On a day the Supreme Court dismissed pleas challenging Rafale deal, Swaraj Abhiyan's founder member and one of the petitioners in the case, Prashant Bhushan Friday said he was disappointed over the court's "conservative view" and claimed "new disclosures" were expected soon in the matter.

On a day the Supreme Court dismissed pleas challenging Rafale deal, Swaraj Abhiyan's founder member and one of the petitioners in the case, Prashant Bhushan Friday said he was disappointed over the court's "conservative view" and claimed "new disclosures" were expected soon in the matter. He also expressed shock that the judgement on the deal between India and France was based on "false information" about CAG report. "Disappointed that the court has taken a conservative view of judicial review in cases of defence deal corruption involving high functionaries," Bhushan said in a statement. Read statement issued by Yashwant Sinha, Arun shourie & myself on the disappointing and indeed shocking judgement of the Supreme Court on the Rafale deal. Apart from not dealing the issues raised by us, the judgement makes several grotesque factual errorshttps://t.co/ZH1nLgXcoh — Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) December 14, 2018 × He said the "scandal" involving the deal will continue to agitate people in the country. "The scandal will continue to agitate the public mind - new disclosures are expected soon," the activist-lawyer said. Bhushan was one of the petitioners who had approached the Supreme Court seeking an independent court-monitored investigation into the Rafale deal. In a relief to the Modi government, the Supreme Court Friday dismissed the pleas challenging the deal between India and France for procurement of 36 Rafale jets saying there was no occasion to "really doubt the decision making the process" warranting setting aside of the contract. The court rejected the pleas which sought lodging of an FIR and a court-monitored probe alleging irregularities in the Rs 58,000 crore deal, in which both the countries have entered into an inter-governmental agreement (IGA).

Disappointed over SC's 'conservative view': Bhushan on Rafale deal verdict

A three-judge <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-was-crystal-clear-from-the-beginning-rajnath-singh-on-rafale-jets-deal-verdict-183966">Supreme Court bench today </a>said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required.

Chief Justice of India(CJI) Ranjan Gogoi&nbsp;said the need and quality control of the&nbsp;Rafale deal wasn't in question. The top court ruled out probe into the pricing&nbsp;details of the deal.

"There is no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the Rafale deal," the court said while delivering the verdict.

"We can't compel the government to purchase 126 aircrafts and its not proper for the court to examine each aspect of this case. It isn't a job of the court to compare pricing details," it said, adding,"we don't find substantial matter to interfere with the issue of procurement, pricing and offset partner in Rafale jet deal."&nbsp;

The top court dismissed all petitions pertaining to the Rafale fighter jet&nbsp;deal.

"Perception of individuals can't be the basis for roving inquiry in sensitive issue of defence procurement," the apex court added.&nbsp;

Last month, the Centre <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-macron-to-meet-on-g20-sidelines-amidst-rafale-row-180641">had submitted the pricing</a> details of the 36 Rafale fighter jets to the top court.

The Centre in its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/french-ngo-sherpa-files-complaints-seeks-clarification-on-conditions-of-rafale-deal-179090">submission had said</a> that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval was secured before the deal was inked with France. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation.

The bench comprises of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph.

India signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as part of the upgrading process of the Indian Air Force equipment. The estimated cost of the deal is Rs 58,000 crore.

The petitions seeking the probe in the Rafale deal were first filed by advocates Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda. Later, AAP MP Sanjay Singh had also filed a petition.

Former union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan had also filed a joint petition in the apex court.

A three-judge Supreme Court bench today said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required. Chief Justice of India(CJI) Ranjan Gogoi said the need and quality control of the Rafale deal wasn't in question.

A three-judge Supreme Court bench today said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required. Chief Justice of India(CJI) Ranjan Gogoi said the need and quality control of the Rafale deal wasn't in question. The top court ruled out probe into the pricing details of the deal. "There is no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the Rafale deal," the court said while delivering the verdict. "We can't compel the government to purchase 126 aircrafts and its not proper for the court to examine each aspect of this case. It isn't a job of the court to compare pricing details," it said, adding,"we don't find substantial matter to interfere with the issue of procurement, pricing and offset partner in Rafale jet deal." The top court dismissed all petitions pertaining to the Rafale fighter jet deal. "Perception of individuals can't be the basis for roving inquiry in sensitive issue of defence procurement," the apex court added. Last month, the Centre had submitted the pricing details of the 36 Rafale fighter jets to the top court. The Centre in its submission had said that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval was secured before the deal was inked with France. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation. The bench comprises of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph. India signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as part of the upgrading process of the Indian Air Force equipment. The estimated cost of the deal is Rs 58,000 crore. The petitions seeking the probe in the Rafale deal were first filed by advocates Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda. Later, AAP MP Sanjay Singh had also filed a petition. Former union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan had also filed a joint petition in the apex court.

No probe needed in Rafale fighter jet deal, rules Supreme Court

The Punjab Assembly passed a resolution on Friday, suggesting the swapping of land with Pakistan to bring the historic Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara across the border within the Indian territory.

The resolution was initially aimed at praising the efforts of the Punjab government and the Centre for opening a cross-border passage to facilitate Indian Sikh pilgrims in visiting the gurdwara on the banks of Ravi river in Pakistan.

But Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, during a discussion on the resolution in the House, demanded that land swap with Pakistan be made a part of the resolution. 
The House accepted it and passed the resolution unanimously.

Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, MLA from Dera Baba Nanak, from where the corridor is proposed to start, suggested land from his constituency could be handed over to Pakistan in the swap.

The assembly also urged the Centre to complete the work for opening the corridor before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in November 2019. The founder of Sikhism is believed to have spent 18 years at the gurdwara and opening a cross-border corridor was a long-pending demand of Sikhs.

India laid the foundation stone of the corridor on November 26 and Pakistan did it two days later.

During the discussion in the House, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh slammed the Pakistan Army, raising questions on its intention to open the corridor and also for trying to revive terrorism in the state.

He warned state political parties against its "ulterior motives".

"Do you really think that the Pakistan Army is our sympathiser when it is continuously killing our soldiers at the border with the ultimate aim of destabilising the border state," he said, referring to the leaders in the assembly and urged them to contribute to maintaining peace in Punjab.

"Why did Pakistan Army chief broke news about the corridor even before the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan? What was his interest?" he said.

Singh had refused to visit Pakistan for the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor, citing terrorist attacks by Pakistan-backed terrorists in India and killing of Indian soldiers on the Kashmir border.

But his Cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu had attended the ceremony. Singh did not take Sidhu's name during the discussion in the House on Friday.

The chief minister, however, said he hopes the corridor would become a "bridge of peace" and reiterated he would accompany the first 'Jatha' to Kartarpur next year. 
He also asked Pakistan Prime Minister Khan to "reign in his army".

"I want to congratulate the Pakistan prime minister (on the decision to open the corridor). My only request to him is that you are a newly elected prime minister and people have high hopes from him; he should rein in his army," Singh said.

Though Congress leaders shared Singh's concern about Pakistan Army's designs to revive militancy in Punjab, opposition leaders said there should be no "negativity" on the Kartarpur corridor issue.

"It is a historic resolution and we unanimously support it. But there should not be any negativity. Terrorists do not have religion and they only follow their mission. It is the government of India which will ensure foolproof security," said SAD chief Badal.

Akali leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala said there should be no room for scepticism on the issue. AAP MLA Kultar Singh Sandhwan praised Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for pushing for the opening of the corridor.

However, BJP legislator Som Prakash said the chief minister's fears cannot be overlooked. He said Pakistan has never been sincere in mending ties with India and cited terrorist attacks in Kashmir, Pathankot and Mumbai.

The Punjab Assembly passed a resolution on Friday, suggesting the swapping of land with Pakistan to bring the historic Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara across the border within the Indian territory.

The Punjab Assembly passed a resolution on Friday, suggesting the swapping of land with Pakistan to bring the historic Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara across the border within the Indian territory. The resolution was initially aimed at praising the efforts of the Punjab government and the Centre for opening a cross-border passage to facilitate Indian Sikh pilgrims in visiting the gurdwara on the banks of Ravi river in Pakistan. But Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, during a discussion on the resolution in the House, demanded that land swap with Pakistan be made a part of the resolution. The House accepted it and passed the resolution unanimously. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, MLA from Dera Baba Nanak, from where the corridor is proposed to start, suggested land from his constituency could be handed over to Pakistan in the swap. The assembly also urged the Centre to complete the work for opening the corridor before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in November 2019. The founder of Sikhism is believed to have spent 18 years at the gurdwara and opening a cross-border corridor was a long-pending demand of Sikhs. India laid the foundation stone of the corridor on November 26 and Pakistan did it two days later. During the discussion in the House, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh slammed the Pakistan Army, raising questions on its intention to open the corridor and also for trying to revive terrorism in the state. He warned state political parties against its "ulterior motives". "Do you really think that the Pakistan Army is our sympathiser when it is continuously killing our soldiers at the border with the ultimate aim of destabilising the border state," he said, referring to the leaders in the assembly and urged them to contribute to maintaining peace in Punjab. "Why did Pakistan Army chief broke news about the corridor even before the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan? What was his interest?" he said. Singh had refused to visit Pakistan for the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor, citing terrorist attacks by Pakistan-backed terrorists in India and killing of Indian soldiers on the Kashmir border. But his Cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu had attended the ceremony. Singh did not take Sidhu's name during the discussion in the House on Friday. The chief minister, however, said he hopes the corridor would become a "bridge of peace" and reiterated he would accompany the first 'Jatha' to Kartarpur next year. He also asked Pakistan Prime Minister Khan to "reign in his army". "I want to congratulate the Pakistan prime minister (on the decision to open the corridor). My only request to him is that you are a newly elected prime minister and people have high hopes from him; he should rein in his army," Singh said. Though Congress leaders shared Singh's concern about Pakistan Army's designs to revive militancy in Punjab, opposition leaders said there should be no "negativity" on the Kartarpur corridor issue. "It is a historic resolution and we unanimously support it. But there should not be any negativity. Terrorists do not have religion and they only follow their mission. It is the government of India which will ensure foolproof security," said SAD chief Badal. Akali leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala said there should be no room for scepticism on the issue. AAP MLA Kultar Singh Sandhwan praised Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for pushing for the opening of the corridor. However, BJP legislator Som Prakash said the chief minister's fears cannot be overlooked. He said Pakistan has never been sincere in mending ties with India and cited terrorist attacks in Kashmir, Pathankot and Mumbai.

Punjab House passes resolution on Kartarpur corridor, suggests land swap with Pak

The Supreme Court on Friday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-probe-needed-in-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-rules-supreme-court-183957">dismissed all petitions pertaining to multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jets deal</a>. Reacting to the verdict home minister Rajnath Singh said that the "matter was crystal clear from the beginning".

"The matter was crystal clear from the beginning and we have been saying that the allegations levelled by Congress were baseless and to gain political mileage," Rajnath Singh said while speaking to the media.

A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required.

"There is no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the Rafale deal," the court said while delivering the verdict.

Last month, the Centre had submitted the pricing details of the 36 Rafale fighter jets to the top court.

The Centre in its submission had said that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval was secured before the deal was inked with France. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation.

India signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as part of the upgrading process of the Indian Air Force equipment. The estimated cost of the deal is Rs 58,000 crore.

The petitions seeking the probe in the Rafale deal were first filed by advocates Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda. Later, AAP MP Sanjay Singh had also filed a petition.

Former union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan had also filed a joint petition in the apex court.

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed all petitions pertaining to multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jets deal. Reacting to the verdict home minister Rajnath Singh said that the "matter was crystal clear from the beginning".

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed all petitions pertaining to multi-million dollar Rafale fighter jets deal. Reacting to the verdict home minister Rajnath Singh said that the "matter was crystal clear from the beginning". "The matter was crystal clear from the beginning and we have been saying that the allegations levelled by Congress were baseless and to gain political mileage," Rajnath Singh said while speaking to the media. A three-judge Supreme Court bench comprising, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said that detailed scrutiny of the Rafale fighter jet deal was not required. "There is no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the Rafale deal," the court said while delivering the verdict. Last month, the Centre had submitted the pricing details of the 36 Rafale fighter jets to the top court. The Centre in its submission had said that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval was secured before the deal was inked with France. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation. India signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as part of the upgrading process of the Indian Air Force equipment. The estimated cost of the deal is Rs 58,000 crore. The petitions seeking the probe in the Rafale deal were first filed by advocates Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda. Later, AAP MP Sanjay Singh had also filed a petition. Former union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan had also filed a joint petition in the apex court.

Matter was crystal clear from the beginning: Rajnath Singh on Rafale deal verdict

The Rowghat area in Chhattisgarh, apart from being under thick forest cover, is also a Naxal stronghold. The area has been identified as having huge reserves of iron ore. The government is trying to build a railway line here which will enter the Maoist zone into the hidden jungle camps and the mineral-rich southern part of the state.

The Rowghat project is critical to the government's Bhilai steel plant and the construction of the railway line will facilitate transportation of iron ore to Bhilai and other steel plants that currently depend on the almost-saturated Dalli-Rajhara mines. Five new mines will be auctioned here to steel companies.

On travelling almost 1400 kilometres south of the Indian capital, into the heart of Chhattisgarh, dense and impenetrable forests welcome you to the tribal villages. This remote forest houses armed border forces popularly known as Sashatra Seema Bal (SSB) which is at war with the Maoists for over four years for the construction of the ambitious Rowghat rail project.

The proposed Dalli-Rajhara to Jagdalpur rail line exists on paper for almost three decades now. Once completed, it will connect state capital Raipur to mineral-rich Jagdalpur by rail via Bhilai, finally connecting the infamous red corridor to the Indian capital after several decades of Indian Independence.&nbsp;

For now, it is only connected by a single lane road built by the paramilitary forces who have multiplied their camps during several years in the forests to combat Naxals. An alternate rail route between the two cities (Raipur and Jagdalpur) is much longer, around 600 kilometres long, and hence takes a lot of time to transport goods. The proposed rail line aims to cut the distance by nearly half.&nbsp;

Deputy commandant of SSB, Priyadarshini Niharika Sinha, has more than 140 troops under her command with an objective to secure the construction sites of the railways and maintain peace in the area. The security of those involved in the rail project is her prime objective. She is optimistic of the rail project and feels it would bring progress and job opportunities to the villagers.&nbsp;

Sinha is also aware that the construction of this railway project, covering 235 kilometres, would allow transportation of iron ore from the Naxal-affected area of North Bastar.

"The forces guarding the project face regular threats. We face daily threats of attack from Naxals. They use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on routes adopted by forces. Stealth and surprise attacks in market areas, firing in conjunction with IED blast, sometimes they even fire on campus. Many troops have had stand-off attacks on isolated locations, firing from moving vehicles and the troops are targeted while returning to their camps too," Sinha explained.

Meanwhile, in Chhattisgarh, the locals wrangle over the topic of train reaching to the tribal villages. They fear the connectivity may bring unwelcome changes into the village space.

"I am a villager and have never been to a city. I am not aware of the benefits of this project for me. All I know is that this train line will help the steel companies transport ores from the mines they will build on the hills. Soon, they are going to cut more jungles and make more mines in the area," GS Darro, a tribal man from the village said.

Some progress has been made in the preliminary railway work, particularly in the construction of the embankment which is over 20 kilometres of the proposed 95-km rail line passing through the area. A small distance can be travelled under this rail project line which has reached till Bhanupratappur, a gateway to the Naxal belt.

A 69-year-old man from the village of Pondgaon says he has never seen a train in his life. From the last active station in the Naxal zone, Bhanupratappur, Dev Sai Anchala boarded his first train in December this year. His district contains some of India’s most underdeveloped lands and the poorest people. He described his first train journey as "overwhelming".

"This tribal area is still under the impact of Naxals. It's time to make a choice - should we choose a train along with invaders in the jungle looking for ores or stay stuck with Naxals. What can we really do?" said Anchala.

The locals still live in jungles and don't have enough to maintain a lifestyle, they aren't even aware of the options available to improve their quality of living. The issue of providing jobs to those evicted from the land acquired for the project seems to have been causing concern. The railway ministry has provided jobs to over 200 people with an indication of absorbing a few more, subject to eligibility. But the locals demand more, along with a change in the eligibility criteria of a senior secondary school certificate.&nbsp;

The challenge for the government will be to convince people that the project will benefit them and will not exploit the lands and the jungles which have belonged to them for centuries. A perfect balance of attaining development along with keeping the local sentiments in mind would go a long way in upliftment of one of the most under-developed and ignored parts of India's heartland.

The Rowghat area in Chhattisgarh, apart from being under thick forest cover, is also a Naxal stronghold. The area has been identified as having huge reserves of iron ore.

The Rowghat area in Chhattisgarh, apart from being under thick forest cover, is also a Naxal stronghold. The area has been identified as having huge reserves of iron ore. The government is trying to build a railway line here which will enter the Maoist zone into the hidden jungle camps and the mineral-rich southern part of the state. The Rowghat project is critical to the government's Bhilai steel plant and the construction of the railway line will facilitate transportation of iron ore to Bhilai and other steel plants that currently depend on the almost-saturated Dalli-Rajhara mines. Five new mines will be auctioned here to steel companies. On travelling almost 1400 kilometres south of the Indian capital, into the heart of Chhattisgarh, dense and impenetrable forests welcome you to the tribal villages. This remote forest houses armed border forces popularly known as Sashatra Seema Bal (SSB) which is at war with the Maoists for over four years for the construction of the ambitious Rowghat rail project. The proposed Dalli-Rajhara to Jagdalpur rail line exists on paper for almost three decades now. Once completed, it will connect state capital Raipur to mineral-rich Jagdalpur by rail via Bhilai, finally connecting the infamous red corridor to the Indian capital after several decades of Indian Independence. For now, it is only connected by a single lane road built by the paramilitary forces who have multiplied their camps during several years in the forests to combat Naxals. An alternate rail route between the two cities (Raipur and Jagdalpur) is much longer, around 600 kilometres long, and hence takes a lot of time to transport goods. The proposed rail line aims to cut the distance by nearly half. Deputy commandant of SSB, Priyadarshini Niharika Sinha, has more than 140 troops under her command with an objective to secure the construction sites of the railways and maintain peace in the area. The security of those involved in the rail project is her prime objective. She is optimistic of the rail project and feels it would bring progress and job opportunities to the villagers. Sinha is also aware that the construction of this railway project, covering 235 kilometres, would allow transportation of iron ore from the Naxal-affected area of North Bastar. "The forces guarding the project face regular threats. We face daily threats of attack from Naxals. They use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on routes adopted by forces. Stealth and surprise attacks in market areas, firing in conjunction with IED blast, sometimes they even fire on campus. Many troops have had stand-off attacks on isolated locations, firing from moving vehicles and the troops are targeted while returning to their camps too," Sinha explained. Meanwhile, in Chhattisgarh, the locals wrangle over the topic of train reaching to the tribal villages. They fear the connectivity may bring unwelcome changes into the village space. "I am a villager and have never been to a city. I am not aware of the benefits of this project for me. All I know is that this train line will help the steel companies transport ores from the mines they will build on the hills. Soon, they are going to cut more jungles and make more mines in the area," GS Darro, a tribal man from the village said. Some progress has been made in the preliminary railway work, particularly in the construction of the embankment which is over 20 kilometres of the proposed 95-km rail line passing through the area. A small distance can be travelled under this rail project line which has reached till Bhanupratappur, a gateway to the Naxal belt. A 69-year-old man from the village of Pondgaon says he has never seen a train in his life. From the last active station in the Naxal zone, Bhanupratappur, Dev Sai Anchala boarded his first train in December this year. His district contains some of India’s most underdeveloped lands and the poorest people. He described his first train journey as "overwhelming". "This tribal area is still under the impact of Naxals. It's time to make a choice - should we choose a train along with invaders in the jungle looking for ores or stay stuck with Naxals. What can we really do?" said Anchala. The locals still live in jungles and don't have enough to maintain a lifestyle, they aren't even aware of the options available to improve their quality of living. The issue of providing jobs to those evicted from the land acquired for the project seems to have been causing concern. The railway ministry has provided jobs to over 200 people with an indication of absorbing a few more, subject to eligibility. But the locals demand more, along with a change in the eligibility criteria of a senior secondary school certificate. The challenge for the government will be to convince people that the project will benefit them and will not exploit the lands and the jungles which have belonged to them for centuries. A perfect balance of attaining development along with keeping the local sentiments in mind would go a long way in upliftment of one of the most under-developed and ignored parts of India's heartland.

Rowghat rail project: Train through Naxal heartland hopes to bring change

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress is likely to announce the Chief Minister for Chhattisgarh on Saturday, news reports suggest.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi on Friday met the four contenders for the chief ministership in Chhattisgarh, including T S Singh Deo who appears to be the front-runner for the post.

Besides Deo, Chhattisgarh Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel, Charan Das Mahant and Tamradhwaj Sahu were in contention for the top job of state where Congress wrested power from the BJP after 15 years, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Gandhi had last night deferred the decisions on chief minister of Chhattisgarh as he wanted to hold discussions with prominent party leaders of the state.&nbsp;

Last evening, Gandhi held a meeting with the party's central observer for Chhattisgarh Mallikarjun Kharge. AICC in-charge of party affairs in Chhattisgarh P L Punia was also present in the meeting.

(With inputs from PTI)

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress is likely to announce the Chief Minister for Chhattisgarh on Saturday, news reports suggest. Rahul Gandhi on Friday met the four contenders for the chief ministership in Chhattisgarh, including T S Singh Deo who appears to be the front-runner for the post.

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress is likely to announce the Chief Minister for Chhattisgarh on Saturday, news reports suggest. Rahul Gandhi on Friday met the four contenders for the chief ministership in Chhattisgarh, including T S Singh Deo who appears to be the front-runner for the post. Besides Deo, Chhattisgarh Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel, Charan Das Mahant and Tamradhwaj Sahu were in contention for the top job of state where Congress wrested power from the BJP after 15 years, news agency PTI reported. Gandhi had last night deferred the decisions on chief minister of Chhattisgarh as he wanted to hold discussions with prominent party leaders of the state. Last evening, Gandhi held a meeting with the party's central observer for Chhattisgarh Mallikarjun Kharge. AICC in-charge of party affairs in Chhattisgarh P L Punia was also present in the meeting. (With inputs from PTI)

Chhattisgarh: Congress likely to announce Chief Minister on Saturday

Former RBI Governor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-indians-should-be-concerned-raghuram-rajan-on-patels-resignation-182989">Raghuram Rajan</a> Friday said there is need to reduce uncompensated government mandates imposed on public sector banks (PSBs).

"This is lazy government if an action is worth doing, it should be paid out of budgetary resources. It also is against the interests of minority shareholders in PSBs," he said here.

The government should incentivise all banks to take up activities it thinks desirable, not impose it on a few, especially as the privileges associated with a banking license diminish, he said.

Along these lines, requirements that banks mandatorily invest in government bonds (the SLR requirement) should continue to be reduced, substituting instead with the liquidity coverage ratios and net stable funding ratios set by Basel, he added.

He further said public sector banks still not adequately professionalised and there is a need to substantially improve risk management.&nbsp;

Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan Friday said there is need to reduce uncompensated government mandates imposed on public sector banks (PSBs). "This is lazy government if an action is worth doing, it should be paid out of budgetary resources.

Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan Friday said there is need to reduce uncompensated government mandates imposed on public sector banks (PSBs). "This is lazy government if an action is worth doing, it should be paid out of budgetary resources. It also is against the interests of minority shareholders in PSBs," he said here. The government should incentivise all banks to take up activities it thinks desirable, not impose it on a few, especially as the privileges associated with a banking license diminish, he said. Along these lines, requirements that banks mandatorily invest in government bonds (the SLR requirement) should continue to be reduced, substituting instead with the liquidity coverage ratios and net stable funding ratios set by Basel, he added. He further said public sector banks still not adequately professionalised and there is a need to substantially improve risk management.

Reduce number, weight of government mandates for PSBs: Raghuram Rajan

An Indian-American woman lawyer on Thursday was appointed to a top post in a US organisation, which advocates religious freedom.&nbsp;

Anurima Bhargava, a civil rights lawyer, has been appointed as a Commissioner to the US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the US Congress to monitor, analyse and report on threats to religious freedom abroad.

Born and raised in Chicago, Bhargava is currently the founder and president of the Anthem of Us, which describes itself as "a strategic advisory firm that works with educational institutions and corporations to promote dignity and justice for all".

She has an extensive experience in various roles advocating for members of under-represented communities, including at the US Department of Justice and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF).

The USCIRF is currently headed by Tibetan-American Tenzin Dorjee.&nbsp;

Dorjee commended House Leader Nancy Pelosi for appointing Bhargava as a USCIRF Commissioner.

"With an impressive background and a demonstrated commitment to advocating for members of minority communities in the United States and abroad, Anurima Bhargava brings an important new perspective that will enhance the work of the Commission, especially on democratic India, with whom the United States has a long and proud relationship," he said.

In addition to her work at the Department of Justice and the LDF, Bhargava served as a fellow at the Open Society Foundations and at the Harvard University.

Before attending law school, Bhargava worked in India assisting women elected to local government. She has been a member of the Truman National Security Project and the Council on Foreign Relations.

An Indian-American woman lawyer on Thursday was appointed to a top post in a US organisation, which advocates religious freedom. Anurima Bhargava, a civil rights lawyer, has been appointed as a Commissioner to the US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the US Congress to monitor, analyse and report on threats to religious freedom abroad.

An Indian-American woman lawyer on Thursday was appointed to a top post in a US organisation, which advocates religious freedom. Anurima Bhargava, a civil rights lawyer, has been appointed as a Commissioner to the US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the US Congress to monitor, analyse and report on threats to religious freedom abroad. Born and raised in Chicago, Bhargava is currently the founder and president of the Anthem of Us, which describes itself as "a strategic advisory firm that works with educational institutions and corporations to promote dignity and justice for all". She has an extensive experience in various roles advocating for members of under-represented communities, including at the US Department of Justice and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF). The USCIRF is currently headed by Tibetan-American Tenzin Dorjee. Dorjee commended House Leader Nancy Pelosi for appointing Bhargava as a USCIRF Commissioner. "With an impressive background and a demonstrated commitment to advocating for members of minority communities in the United States and abroad, Anurima Bhargava brings an important new perspective that will enhance the work of the Commission, especially on democratic India, with whom the United States has a long and proud relationship," he said. In addition to her work at the Department of Justice and the LDF, Bhargava served as a fellow at the Open Society Foundations and at the Harvard University. Before attending law school, Bhargava worked in India assisting women elected to local government. She has been a member of the Truman National Security Project and the Council on Foreign Relations.

Indian-American woman appointed to US body advocating religious freedom

india-news

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

india news