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Over 10 people lost their lives after consuming prasad in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka on Friday. According to reports, as many as 72 people were hospitalised with nearly 12 critically ill, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The government of Karnataka has announced Rs 5 Lakh ex gratia to the next of kin of the deceased. Medical treatment of others will be taken care of by the state, the government announced.&nbsp;

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Karnataka CM: Concerned program officer is monitoring calls at 108 call centre &amp; coordinating services of ambulances. Commissioner has instructed ADC Mysore to provide services of private ALP ambulances.2 senior officers are on way from state HQ to coordinate&amp;supervise activities <a href="https://t.co/RtHJomtT29">https://t.co/RtHJomtT29</a>
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Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy described the incident as unfortunate stating that, "there is an unfortunate food poisoning incident in Kamgere village. Principal Secretary and the commissioner has instructed DHOs Mandya and Mysore to provide help to Chamrajnagar health administration."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Chief Minister's Office (CMO): Death toll rises to 11. <a href="https://t.co/aYV4Ze9Roq">https://t.co/aYV4Ze9Roq</a>
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"The concerned program officer is monitoring calls at 108 call centre and coordinating services of ambulances. Commissioner has instructed ADC Mysore to provide services of private ALP ambulances. 2 senior officers are on way from state HQ to coordinate and supervise activities," Kumaraswamy added.&nbsp;

Over 10 people lost their lives after consuming prasad in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka on Friday. According to reports, as many as 72 people were hospitalised with nearly 12 critically ill, news agency ANI reported.

Over 10 people lost their lives after consuming prasad in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka on Friday. According to reports, as many as 72 people were hospitalised with nearly 12 critically ill, news agency ANI reported. The government of Karnataka has announced Rs 5 Lakh ex gratia to the next of kin of the deceased. Medical treatment of others will be taken care of by the state, the government announced. Karnataka CM: Concerned program officer is monitoring calls at 108 call centre & coordinating services of ambulances. Commissioner has instructed ADC Mysore to provide services of private ALP ambulances.2 senior officers are on way from state HQ to coordinate&supervise activities https://t.co/RtHJomtT29 — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy described the incident as unfortunate stating that, "there is an unfortunate food poisoning incident in Kamgere village. Principal Secretary and the commissioner has instructed DHOs Mandya and Mysore to provide help to Chamrajnagar health administration." #UPDATE Chief Minister's Office (CMO): Death toll rises to 11. https://t.co/aYV4Ze9Roq — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × "The concerned program officer is monitoring calls at 108 call centre and coordinating services of ambulances. Commissioner has instructed ADC Mysore to provide services of private ALP ambulances. 2 senior officers are on way from state HQ to coordinate and supervise activities," Kumaraswamy added.

Karnataka: Over 10 dead, dozens hospitalised after consuming prasad

Congress leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/suspends-ends-kamal-nath-is-the-new-madhya-pradesh-cm-183854">Kamal Nath</a> will take oath as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17&nbsp;at Lal Parade ground in Bhopal.

The announcement of Nath's name as the new chief minister was made by the party observer for the state AK Antony on Thursday after being elected "unanimously" as the new Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader at meeting of the newly-elected MLAs.

His name was decided as the chosen one after marathon meetings at the party president Rahul Gandhi's residence in the national capital, attended by various senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi.

After the announcement, speaking to the media Nath said that as the new chief minister he <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-fulfill-all-promise-made-by-congress-kamal-nath-183909">would ensure all promises made by the Congress party are fulfilled</a> and that Madhya Pradesh's future was secure.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/master-strategist-and-gandhi-family-loyalist-kamal-nath-to-rule-madhya-pradesh-183922">Master strategist and Gandhi-family loyalist Kamal Nath to rule Madhya Pradesh</a>

Nath, who was appointed as president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee on April 26, is credited with having steered the party to a win in the just-concluded assembly polls, in which the party bagged 114 seats.

The Congress has secured the support of a total of 121 MLAs, including SP (1) and BSP (2) legislators as also of four independents, to cross the majority mark of 116 seats in the 230-member assembly.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats in the elections. The saffron party's Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the state's longest-serving chief minister since taking charge in 2005.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Congress leader Kamal Nath will take oath as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17 at Lal Parade ground in Bhopal. The announcement of Nath's name as the new chief minister was made by the party observer for the state AK Antony on Thursday after being elected "unanimously" as the new Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader at meeting of the newly-elected MLAs.

Congress leader Kamal Nath will take oath as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on December 17 at Lal Parade ground in Bhopal. The announcement of Nath's name as the new chief minister was made by the party observer for the state AK Antony on Thursday after being elected "unanimously" as the new Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader at meeting of the newly-elected MLAs. His name was decided as the chosen one after marathon meetings at the party president Rahul Gandhi's residence in the national capital, attended by various senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi. After the announcement, speaking to the media Nath said that as the new chief minister he would ensure all promises made by the Congress party are fulfilled and that Madhya Pradesh's future was secure. Also read: Master strategist and Gandhi-family loyalist Kamal Nath to rule Madhya Pradesh Nath, who was appointed as president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee on April 26, is credited with having steered the party to a win in the just-concluded assembly polls, in which the party bagged 114 seats. The Congress has secured the support of a total of 121 MLAs, including SP (1) and BSP (2) legislators as also of four independents, to cross the majority mark of 116 seats in the 230-member assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats in the elections. The saffron party's Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the state's longest-serving chief minister since taking charge in 2005.

Madhya Pradesh: Kamal Nath to take oath as Chief Minister on December 17

After completing the land exercises, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-india-russia-conduct-joint-military-exercise-in-uttar-pradesh-179994">the sea phase of 'INDRA 2018'</a> India and Russia naval bilateral exercise began in the Bay of Bengal on Thursday.

Indian and Russian naval&nbsp;ships which <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/indra-2017-495">had docked at Vizag</a> sailed out for the naval drill.

The Russian navy ships - Varyag, Admiral Panteleyev and Boris Butoma along with Indian naval ships - Ranvir, Satpura, Kadmatt, Kuthar, Khanjar and Jyoti sailed into the Bay of Bengal.

The military drill which began on November 27th in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi consisted of Indian army's mechanized infantry battalion with 500 soldiers, 250 from each from Russia and India taking part in the annual exercise.

The drill is being held under the banner of the United Nations. The land drills were aimed at strengthening special tactical operations.

Last year in October, Indian troops had taken part in the military exercise with Russian troops in the eastern military district of Russia at Sergeevisky and in the Sea of Japan near Vladivostok.

In the Russian leg, all three services of the Indian defence forces - Air Force, Navy and Army - had taken part with at least 1,000 troops combined between the two countries.

The exercise aimed at strengthening mutual confidence, inter-operability and to enable sharing of best practices between both the armed forces.

After completing the land exercises, the sea phase of 'INDRA 2018' India and Russia naval bilateral exercise began in the Bay of Bengal on Thursday. Indian and Russian naval ships which had docked at Vizag sailed out for the naval drill.

After completing the land exercises, the sea phase of 'INDRA 2018' India and Russia naval bilateral exercise began in the Bay of Bengal on Thursday. Indian and Russian naval ships which had docked at Vizag sailed out for the naval drill. The Russian navy ships - Varyag, Admiral Panteleyev and Boris Butoma along with Indian naval ships - Ranvir, Satpura, Kadmatt, Kuthar, Khanjar and Jyoti sailed into the Bay of Bengal. The military drill which began on November 27th in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi consisted of Indian army's mechanized infantry battalion with 500 soldiers, 250 from each from Russia and India taking part in the annual exercise. The drill is being held under the banner of the United Nations. The land drills were aimed at strengthening special tactical operations. Last year in October, Indian troops had taken part in the military exercise with Russian troops in the eastern military district of Russia at Sergeevisky and in the Sea of Japan near Vladivostok. In the Russian leg, all three services of the Indian defence forces - Air Force, Navy and Army - had taken part with at least 1,000 troops combined between the two countries. The exercise aimed at strengthening mutual confidence, inter-operability and to enable sharing of best practices between both the armed forces.

INDRA 2018: After land exercise, India-Russia naval drill begins in Bay of Bengal

Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan Friday said farm loan waiver should not form part of poll promises and he has written to Election Commission that such issues should be taken off the table.

It not only inhibits investment in the farm sector but put pressure on the fiscal of states which undertake farm loan waiver, he said.

In every state election during the last five years, loan waiver promise made by one political party or other. The recently concluded assembly election in five states, agriculture loan waiver and increasing minimum support price (MSP) of cereals was again part of manifesto of some of the political parties.

"I have said forever, even written a letter to the Election Commissioner saying they should be taken off the table. I mean, certainly there is reason to think about farm distress. But, the question of whether the flows to farmers is best affected by waiving loans, after all, there is only a subset of farmers who get those loans.

"So, it often goes to the best connected rather than those most poorly off. Second, it obviously creates enormous problems for the fiscal of the state once those waivers are done. And I think, unfortunately, it inhibits investment down the line," he said here while releasing a report titled 'An Economic Strategy for India'.

Loan waivers, as the RBI has repeatedly argued, vitiate the credit culture, and stress the budgets of the waiving state or central government, he said.

Rajan, who was RBI governor for three years till September 2016, is currently teaching at the Chicago Booth School of Business.

"And I think our farmers deserve no less. We need to create the environment in which they can be a vibrant force and I would say more resources are definitely needed. Whether loan waivers are the best? I think it's highly questionable," he said.

He expressed hope that an all-party agreement to this effect would be in the nation's interest.

"It's no surprise to you that there is fair amount of agricultural distress which we have seen being highlighted by farmers, and also political parties are responding with variety of measures such as loan waivers," he said citing the report outlining the agenda for the next five years.

On the current economic situation, Rajan said although India has had 7 per cent growth, it is not clearly creating enough jobs.

Citing example of job shortage, he said 25 million people applied for 90,000 railway jobs.

"250 per job and these are not priced jobs. These are actually low level jobs. So, it does suggest enormous demand for jobs," he said.

Furthermore, he said, growth is not benefiting all sectors and all people, and inequality to some extent is increasingly.

Besides, he expressed concern over subdued exports despite the fact that India has enormous quantities of cheap labour.

Noting that there has been talk about improvement in inflation, he said, there is no improvement in the fiscal deficit of centre and states in the last 5 years.

"So, in terms of public sectors borrowing, it's still as big as it was and that is source of concern especially as states budgets are going out of balance. We see trade deficit is large even after taking out the effect of borrowing," he said.

Rajan, who is also part of the report, said that it looks at some of these challenges that the country faces.

"We should ask the question that is this growth path viable and clearly more needs to be done on macro stability, on fiscal deficit, there are proposals in the paper that how we can do that, we absolutely need to enhance growth beyond 7 per cent, lot of back and forth on what the true growth numbers are, whatever they are, they are not enough," he said, apparently referring to the various GDP data brought by the government.&nbsp;

The report, prepared by 13 economists from India and abroad, comes ahead of 2019 general elections.

Besides Rajan, other who economists contributed to the report included Abhijit Banerjee, Pranjul Bhandari, Gita Gopinath, Amartya Lahiri, Prachi Mishra, Karthik Muralidharan, Rohini Pande, and E Somanathan.&nbsp;

Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan Friday said farm loan waiver should not form part of poll promises and he has written to Election Commission that such issues should be taken off the table.

Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan Friday said farm loan waiver should not form part of poll promises and he has written to Election Commission that such issues should be taken off the table. It not only inhibits investment in the farm sector but put pressure on the fiscal of states which undertake farm loan waiver, he said. In every state election during the last five years, loan waiver promise made by one political party or other. The recently concluded assembly election in five states, agriculture loan waiver and increasing minimum support price (MSP) of cereals was again part of manifesto of some of the political parties. "I have said forever, even written a letter to the Election Commissioner saying they should be taken off the table. I mean, certainly there is reason to think about farm distress. But, the question of whether the flows to farmers is best affected by waiving loans, after all, there is only a subset of farmers who get those loans. "So, it often goes to the best connected rather than those most poorly off. Second, it obviously creates enormous problems for the fiscal of the state once those waivers are done. And I think, unfortunately, it inhibits investment down the line," he said here while releasing a report titled 'An Economic Strategy for India'. Loan waivers, as the RBI has repeatedly argued, vitiate the credit culture, and stress the budgets of the waiving state or central government, he said. Rajan, who was RBI governor for three years till September 2016, is currently teaching at the Chicago Booth School of Business. "And I think our farmers deserve no less. We need to create the environment in which they can be a vibrant force and I would say more resources are definitely needed. Whether loan waivers are the best? I think it's highly questionable," he said. He expressed hope that an all-party agreement to this effect would be in the nation's interest. "It's no surprise to you that there is fair amount of agricultural distress which we have seen being highlighted by farmers, and also political parties are responding with variety of measures such as loan waivers," he said citing the report outlining the agenda for the next five years. On the current economic situation, Rajan said although India has had 7 per cent growth, it is not clearly creating enough jobs. Citing example of job shortage, he said 25 million people applied for 90,000 railway jobs. "250 per job and these are not priced jobs. These are actually low level jobs. So, it does suggest enormous demand for jobs," he said. Furthermore, he said, growth is not benefiting all sectors and all people, and inequality to some extent is increasingly. Besides, he expressed concern over subdued exports despite the fact that India has enormous quantities of cheap labour. Noting that there has been talk about improvement in inflation, he said, there is no improvement in the fiscal deficit of centre and states in the last 5 years. "So, in terms of public sectors borrowing, it's still as big as it was and that is source of concern especially as states budgets are going out of balance. We see trade deficit is large even after taking out the effect of borrowing," he said. Rajan, who is also part of the report, said that it looks at some of these challenges that the country faces. "We should ask the question that is this growth path viable and clearly more needs to be done on macro stability, on fiscal deficit, there are proposals in the paper that how we can do that, we absolutely need to enhance growth beyond 7 per cent, lot of back and forth on what the true growth numbers are, whatever they are, they are not enough," he said, apparently referring to the various GDP data brought by the government. The report, prepared by 13 economists from India and abroad, comes ahead of 2019 general elections. Besides Rajan, other who economists contributed to the report included Abhijit Banerjee, Pranjul Bhandari, Gita Gopinath, Amartya Lahiri, Prachi Mishra, Karthik Muralidharan, Rohini Pande, and E Somanathan.

Agri loan waiver should not form part of poll promises: Rajan

At least 13 people were trapped and feared dead due to flooding in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia hills district, police said Thursday.

The incident was reported to the district authorities Thursday morning and rescue efforts are on, Superintendent of Police (SP) Sylvester Nongtynger said.

"According to information received, 13 people were trapped inside an illegal coal mine at Ksan village under the jurisdiction of Saipung police station," the SP said.

The National Green Tribunal has banned unscientific and unsafe rat-hole coal mining in Meghalaya since 2014.

According to the SP, the labourers have engaged in the rat-hole coal mine near Lytein river around three days ago, and due to the overflowing of water they are all feared dead.

Water is being pumped out and efforts are on to identify the people behind the illegal mining.

A case has been registered against unknown people for their involvement in illegal mining of coal.

Disaster management Minister Kyrmen Shylla, who is also an MLA from Khliehriat constituency, said, "We are waiting for a report from the district authorities in this regard."

This is not the first time that labourers engaged in illegal mining of coal have been trapped in a mine, a police officer said.

At least 15 miners were trapped in such an illegal rat-hole coal mine near the Nangalbibra area in South Garo Hills in 2012. The bodies were never recovered, officials said.

At least 13 people were trapped and feared dead due to flooding in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia hills district, police said Thursday. The incident was reported to the district authorities Thursday morning and rescue efforts are on, Superintendent of Police (SP) Sylvester Nongtynger said.

At least 13 people were trapped and feared dead due to flooding in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia hills district, police said Thursday. The incident was reported to the district authorities Thursday morning and rescue efforts are on, Superintendent of Police (SP) Sylvester Nongtynger said. "According to information received, 13 people were trapped inside an illegal coal mine at Ksan village under the jurisdiction of Saipung police station," the SP said. The National Green Tribunal has banned unscientific and unsafe rat-hole coal mining in Meghalaya since 2014. According to the SP, the labourers have engaged in the rat-hole coal mine near Lytein river around three days ago, and due to the overflowing of water they are all feared dead. Water is being pumped out and efforts are on to identify the people behind the illegal mining. A case has been registered against unknown people for their involvement in illegal mining of coal. Disaster management Minister Kyrmen Shylla, who is also an MLA from Khliehriat constituency, said, "We are waiting for a report from the district authorities in this regard." This is not the first time that labourers engaged in illegal mining of coal have been trapped in a mine, a police officer said. At least 15 miners were trapped in such an illegal rat-hole coal mine near the Nangalbibra area in South Garo Hills in 2012. The bodies were never recovered, officials said.

Flooding in illegal coal mine in Meghalaya, 13 miners trapped, feared dead

For Kamal Nath, appointment as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister on Thursday is a reward for his sharp political maneuvering skills which are credited with the Congress victory in a state where BJP was ruling for three consecutive terms.

The 72-year-old leader is known as a master strategist and Gandhi family loyalist, with a distinction of representing the Chhindwara Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh for several terms.

He led the party from the front in the just-concluded Assembly elections and underlined the importance of unity for changing the fortunes of a divided Congress.

"United we stand and divided we fall," was the message he underlined while asking the rank and file to give their best collectively.

Nath became the game changer as he recognised that timing was important. Others simply followed his lead, realising the necessity of putting their differences at the back burner.

Currently one of the longest servicing members of the Lok Sabha from Chhindwara parliamentary constituency is a party loyalist who has remained in the Congress all along his political career unlike many leaders who left the party and only to return later.

The Kanpur boy headed several ministries but he gained fame for firmly putting up India's stand on safeguarding farmers'&nbsp;rights at the Earth Summit in 1992 at Rio de Janeiro and fiercely negotiating at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

He not only received the government's accolades but from the Opposition as well.

His words at the WTO summit still echo at many conferences.

He said, "Next time, can you bring a picture of an American farmer? I haven`t ever seen one. I have only seen US conglomerates masquerading as farmers".

The Doon School alumnus was close to Sanjay Gandhi and was a faithful of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Narasimha Rao and now, close to party president Rahul Gandhi, a Doon School alumnus himself.

He stood by Indira Gandhi in her fight against Morarji Desai in 1979 and now, four decades later, the loyalist steeled his grit and put all his political acumen to regain the state and oust Madhya Pradesh's longest-serving chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who served three consecutive terms.

Getting back to the thick of things in the state wasn't an easy task for him, especially, after the set back he received in Punjab before the assembly election. He had to return from Punjab as 1984 riots controversy overshadowed his leadership.

Madhya Pradesh too wasn't an easy task.

A video clip which went viral put him in the dock. The clip showed Nath telling Muslim clerics to ensure that 90 per cent votes from Muslim-dominated areas are cast in favour of Congress.

Yet, he bounced back and ensured that internal conflict in the party ended and all factions worked towards the party's victory.

Notwithstanding the rivalry with Guna Lok Sabha MP, especially, after he was made the state party chief in the state, Nath brought Jyotiraditya Scindia under the wings along with former chief minister Digvijaya Singh and Suresh Pachouri.

It was necessary to bring everyone together and fight the battle undivided. He went step by step.

After having achieved his target within the party, he went after the rival BJP and took on "ghoshnaveer" Chouhan, knowing well enough that a fourth term will be a herculean task for the outgoing Chief Minister.

The road ahead, however, may be bumpy for the Chief Minister as 2019 Lok Sabha election is too close to convince the voters with promises at the national level.

But the veteran nine-time MP knows how to win the hearts and minds of the people.&nbsp;

For Kamal Nath, appointment as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister on Thursday is a reward for his sharp political maneuvering skills which are credited with the Congress victory in a state where BJP was ruling for three consecutive terms.

For Kamal Nath, appointment as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister on Thursday is a reward for his sharp political maneuvering skills which are credited with the Congress victory in a state where BJP was ruling for three consecutive terms. The 72-year-old leader is known as a master strategist and Gandhi family loyalist, with a distinction of representing the Chhindwara Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh for several terms. He led the party from the front in the just-concluded Assembly elections and underlined the importance of unity for changing the fortunes of a divided Congress. "United we stand and divided we fall," was the message he underlined while asking the rank and file to give their best collectively. Nath became the game changer as he recognised that timing was important. Others simply followed his lead, realising the necessity of putting their differences at the back burner. Currently one of the longest servicing members of the Lok Sabha from Chhindwara parliamentary constituency is a party loyalist who has remained in the Congress all along his political career unlike many leaders who left the party and only to return later. The Kanpur boy headed several ministries but he gained fame for firmly putting up India's stand on safeguarding farmers' rights at the Earth Summit in 1992 at Rio de Janeiro and fiercely negotiating at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). He not only received the government's accolades but from the Opposition as well. His words at the WTO summit still echo at many conferences. He said, "Next time, can you bring a picture of an American farmer? I haven`t ever seen one. I have only seen US conglomerates masquerading as farmers". The Doon School alumnus was close to Sanjay Gandhi and was a faithful of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Narasimha Rao and now, close to party president Rahul Gandhi, a Doon School alumnus himself. He stood by Indira Gandhi in her fight against Morarji Desai in 1979 and now, four decades later, the loyalist steeled his grit and put all his political acumen to regain the state and oust Madhya Pradesh's longest-serving chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who served three consecutive terms. Getting back to the thick of things in the state wasn't an easy task for him, especially, after the set back he received in Punjab before the assembly election. He had to return from Punjab as 1984 riots controversy overshadowed his leadership. Madhya Pradesh too wasn't an easy task. A video clip which went viral put him in the dock. The clip showed Nath telling Muslim clerics to ensure that 90 per cent votes from Muslim-dominated areas are cast in favour of Congress. Yet, he bounced back and ensured that internal conflict in the party ended and all factions worked towards the party's victory. Notwithstanding the rivalry with Guna Lok Sabha MP, especially, after he was made the state party chief in the state, Nath brought Jyotiraditya Scindia under the wings along with former chief minister Digvijaya Singh and Suresh Pachouri. It was necessary to bring everyone together and fight the battle undivided. He went step by step. After having achieved his target within the party, he went after the rival BJP and took on "ghoshnaveer" Chouhan, knowing well enough that a fourth term will be a herculean task for the outgoing Chief Minister. The road ahead, however, may be bumpy for the Chief Minister as 2019 Lok Sabha election is too close to convince the voters with promises at the national level. But the veteran nine-time MP knows how to win the hearts and minds of the people.

Master strategist and Gandhi-family loyalist Kamal Nath to rule Madhya Pradesh

Dassault Aviation, maker of Rafale fighter jets, on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court verdict on the Rafale deal and said it's dedicated to establishing successfully Make in India as promoted by PM Modi.

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Dassault Aviation: Dassault Aviation welcomes the decision of the Supreme Court of India rendered today dismissing all petitions filed on the Rafale Contract signed on 23rd September 2016 in the frame of an Inter-Governmental Agreement between India and France.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073600764956700679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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''Dassault Aviation welcomes the decision of the Supreme Court of India today dismissing all petitions filed on the Rafale Contract signed on 23rd September 2016 in the frame of an Inter-Governmental Agreement between India and France,'' the statement read.&nbsp;

Dassault Aviation is dedicated to establishing successfully Make in India as promoted by PM Modi, the statement said and added that it will ensure successful production in India through Dassault Reliance Joint Venture in Nagpur as well as through a full-fledged supply chain network.

Quoting Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier, the company said "The deal is absolutely clean in accordance with Indian laws and regulations, as I have stated before, and the first Falcon part is currently under delivery out of our facility in Nagpur”.&nbsp;

Dassault Aviation, maker of Rafale fighter jets, on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court verdict on the Rafale deal and said it's dedicated to establishing successfully Make in India as promoted by PM Modi.

Dassault Aviation, maker of Rafale fighter jets, on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court verdict on the Rafale deal and said it's dedicated to establishing successfully Make in India as promoted by PM Modi. Dassault Aviation: Dassault Aviation welcomes the decision of the Supreme Court of India rendered today dismissing all petitions filed on the Rafale Contract signed on 23rd September 2016 in the frame of an Inter-Governmental Agreement between India and France. — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × ''Dassault Aviation welcomes the decision of the Supreme Court of India today dismissing all petitions filed on the Rafale Contract signed on 23rd September 2016 in the frame of an Inter-Governmental Agreement between India and France,'' the statement read. Dassault Aviation is dedicated to establishing successfully Make in India as promoted by PM Modi, the statement said and added that it will ensure successful production in India through Dassault Reliance Joint Venture in Nagpur as well as through a full-fledged supply chain network. Quoting Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier, the company said "The deal is absolutely clean in accordance with Indian laws and regulations, as I have stated before, and the first Falcon part is currently under delivery out of our facility in Nagpur”.

Dassault Aviation welcomes Supreme Court judgement on Rafale deal

The Madras High Court on Friday dismissed petitions filed by AMMK leader TTV Dinakaran challenging the reassessment of his income tax for 1995-96 and 1996-97 by the department.

Justice S M Subramaniam held that the petitions were devoid of merit and dismissed them.

The I-T department had sought to re-open the income tax returns filed by Dinakaran for assessment years 1995-96 and 1996-97 based on searches made by the Enforcement Department.

The judge said it had been alleged that some of the amounts invested in the foreign countries were not disclosed by Dinakaran and cases were already registered under FERA on the basis of which the assessments were re-opened.

He said it was premature for the court to go into the merits of the case.

The judge directed Dinakaran to approach the I-T authorities for giving explanations about the materials allegedly seized during the searches.

Also, the judge ordered the income tax department to give Dinakaran a chance to explain so that the long-pending litigation was settled.&nbsp;

Dhinakaran had floated the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam party after being expelled from the AIADMK.

The Madras High Court on Friday dismissed petitions filed by AMMK leader TTV Dinakaran challenging the reassessment of his income tax for 1995-96 and 1996-97 by the department.

The Madras High Court on Friday dismissed petitions filed by AMMK leader TTV Dinakaran challenging the reassessment of his income tax for 1995-96 and 1996-97 by the department. Justice S M Subramaniam held that the petitions were devoid of merit and dismissed them. The I-T department had sought to re-open the income tax returns filed by Dinakaran for assessment years 1995-96 and 1996-97 based on searches made by the Enforcement Department. The judge said it had been alleged that some of the amounts invested in the foreign countries were not disclosed by Dinakaran and cases were already registered under FERA on the basis of which the assessments were re-opened. He said it was premature for the court to go into the merits of the case. The judge directed Dinakaran to approach the I-T authorities for giving explanations about the materials allegedly seized during the searches. Also, the judge ordered the income tax department to give Dinakaran a chance to explain so that the long-pending litigation was settled. Dhinakaran had floated the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam party after being expelled from the AIADMK.

HC rejects TTV Dinakaran's plea against I-tax re-assessment

Former Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) Arvind Subramanian opined that although the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) independence is sacred, there must be "creative tension" between the central bank and government.

Subramanian, who participated in an interactive session with entrepreneur and co-founder of Infosys Nandan Nilekani, was of the view that anything that damages or undermines the RBI's reputation will cost the country dearly in the long run.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-uphold-autonomy-of-rbi-new-governor-shaktikanta-das-183476">Will protect RBI's autonomy, says New Governor Shaktikanta Das</a>

"We want autonomy and independence but along with communication and cooperation because both parts of the government (i.e. RBI and government) have to work together as many of their objectives are common. There will be some objectives which are different and that's why we created RBI. They will never agree, they should never agree, there has to be a creative tension," he said.

Subramanian, however, noted that despite all shortcomings in the last 5-6 years, the RBI remains one of India's most respected institutions.

Acknowledging the connect between financial stability and robust functioning of the Reserve Bank, Subramanian, who is a visiting professor at Harvard University, said the RBI has to be accountable for glaring deficiencies and shortcomings in the financial system or economy.

"As long as autonomy (of RBI) is protected, there will be no issues," he asserted.

The recent rift between the RBI and the union government is one that has been widely debated, particularly after RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya stressed on the need to ensure the central bank's independence.

On Monday, Urjit Patel stepped down as the RBI Governor citing "personal reasons", weeks after differences between the central bank and the government regarding its "independence" became public.

A day later, former economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das was appointed as the new governor of the central bank with immediate effect.

Former Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) Arvind Subramanian opined that although the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) independence is sacred, there must be "creative tension" between the central bank and government.

Former Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) Arvind Subramanian opined that although the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) independence is sacred, there must be "creative tension" between the central bank and government. Subramanian, who participated in an interactive session with entrepreneur and co-founder of Infosys Nandan Nilekani, was of the view that anything that damages or undermines the RBI's reputation will cost the country dearly in the long run. Also read: Will protect RBI's autonomy, says New Governor Shaktikanta Das "We want autonomy and independence but along with communication and cooperation because both parts of the government (i.e. RBI and government) have to work together as many of their objectives are common. There will be some objectives which are different and that's why we created RBI. They will never agree, they should never agree, there has to be a creative tension," he said. Subramanian, however, noted that despite all shortcomings in the last 5-6 years, the RBI remains one of India's most respected institutions. Acknowledging the connect between financial stability and robust functioning of the Reserve Bank, Subramanian, who is a visiting professor at Harvard University, said the RBI has to be accountable for glaring deficiencies and shortcomings in the financial system or economy. "As long as autonomy (of RBI) is protected, there will be no issues," he asserted. The recent rift between the RBI and the union government is one that has been widely debated, particularly after RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya stressed on the need to ensure the central bank's independence. On Monday, Urjit Patel stepped down as the RBI Governor citing "personal reasons", weeks after differences between the central bank and the government regarding its "independence" became public. A day later, former economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das was appointed as the new governor of the central bank with immediate effect.

Creative tension should exist between RBI, Government: Former CEA Arvind Subramanian

An Indian IT professional was sentenced to nine years of imprisonment on Thursday on charges of a "brazen sexual assault" against a fellow female passenger inside a commercial airplane early this year.

Prabhu Ramamoorthy, 35, who came to the US on a H-1B visa in 2015, will be deported after he serves his sentence, a federal court in Detroit said as it sentenced the Indian national to nine years of imprisonment.

Judge Terrence Berge hoped it would be grave enough to deter others from committing similar crimes. Federal prosecutors had sought 11 years of imprisonment for Ramamoorthy.

"Everyone has the right to be secure and safe when they travel on airplanes. We will not tolerate the behaviour of anyone, who takes advantage of victims who are in a vulnerable position. We appreciate the victim in this case for her courage to speak out," US Attorney Matthew Schneider said after the sentencing was announced.

Ramamoorthy was convicted in August after a five-day trial that was conducted before United States District Judge Terrence Berg. The jury deliberated approximately three-and-a-half hours before returning the guilty verdict.

According to the evidence presented at the trial, on January 3, Ramamoorthy had engaged in a sexual act with a female, while she was sleeping on a flight from Las Vegas to Detroit. Ramamoorthy was seated along with his wife, when he sexually assaulted his co-passenger.

During the trial, the government admitted evidence demonstrating that Ramamoorthy had digitally penetrated the woman sleeping next to him during the overnight flight. The sexual assault woke her up, she found her pants unbuttoned and unzipped, and sought help from the flight attendants.

The sentence was proof that the safety and security of all aircraft passengers was a priority for the FBI, said Timothy R Slater, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Division of the FBI.

In recent years, a number of Indian nationals have been arrested or charged with sexual assaults inside a plane. The FBI says airplane sexual assault is a serious offence that is on the rise. FBI statistics indicate that investigations of mid-air sexual assaults increased by 66 per cent from 2014 to 2017.

That was in part due to increasingly "cramped, confined spaces; alcohol and drugs; fewer flight attendants; and dark cabins on night flights" -- factors that "likely embolden offenders" -- the FBI said in a recent report.

The cramped style of airplane seating can exacerbate trauma for victims. According to mental health professionals, victims who are violated in confined spaces feel even more helpless, vulnerable and powerless. Victims may also feel intimidated by the person sitting next to them since the seating arrangement means that the perpetrator is effectively blocking the victim from getting up, according to the FBI.

According to court papers, Ramamoorthy is from Tamil Nadu, where he grew up. His parents are farmers. He came to the US in July, 2015 after his graduation to work as an IT professional.

During his trial, Ramamoorthy presented himself to the court as a confused man stranded in America without English language skills despite his sophisticated technological job, federal prosecutors alleged. "His lack of empathy and remorse should not go unnoticed by this court," they argued, seeking nearly 11 years of imprisonment for him.

An Indian IT professional was sentenced to nine years of imprisonment on Thursday on charges of a "brazen sexual assault" against a fellow female passenger inside a commercial airplane early this year.

An Indian IT professional was sentenced to nine years of imprisonment on Thursday on charges of a "brazen sexual assault" against a fellow female passenger inside a commercial airplane early this year. Prabhu Ramamoorthy, 35, who came to the US on a H-1B visa in 2015, will be deported after he serves his sentence, a federal court in Detroit said as it sentenced the Indian national to nine years of imprisonment. Judge Terrence Berge hoped it would be grave enough to deter others from committing similar crimes. Federal prosecutors had sought 11 years of imprisonment for Ramamoorthy. "Everyone has the right to be secure and safe when they travel on airplanes. We will not tolerate the behaviour of anyone, who takes advantage of victims who are in a vulnerable position. We appreciate the victim in this case for her courage to speak out," US Attorney Matthew Schneider said after the sentencing was announced. Ramamoorthy was convicted in August after a five-day trial that was conducted before United States District Judge Terrence Berg. The jury deliberated approximately three-and-a-half hours before returning the guilty verdict. According to the evidence presented at the trial, on January 3, Ramamoorthy had engaged in a sexual act with a female, while she was sleeping on a flight from Las Vegas to Detroit. Ramamoorthy was seated along with his wife, when he sexually assaulted his co-passenger. During the trial, the government admitted evidence demonstrating that Ramamoorthy had digitally penetrated the woman sleeping next to him during the overnight flight. The sexual assault woke her up, she found her pants unbuttoned and unzipped, and sought help from the flight attendants. The sentence was proof that the safety and security of all aircraft passengers was a priority for the FBI, said Timothy R Slater, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Division of the FBI. In recent years, a number of Indian nationals have been arrested or charged with sexual assaults inside a plane. The FBI says airplane sexual assault is a serious offence that is on the rise. FBI statistics indicate that investigations of mid-air sexual assaults increased by 66 per cent from 2014 to 2017. That was in part due to increasingly "cramped, confined spaces; alcohol and drugs; fewer flight attendants; and dark cabins on night flights" -- factors that "likely embolden offenders" -- the FBI said in a recent report. The cramped style of airplane seating can exacerbate trauma for victims. According to mental health professionals, victims who are violated in confined spaces feel even more helpless, vulnerable and powerless. Victims may also feel intimidated by the person sitting next to them since the seating arrangement means that the perpetrator is effectively blocking the victim from getting up, according to the FBI. According to court papers, Ramamoorthy is from Tamil Nadu, where he grew up. His parents are farmers. He came to the US in July, 2015 after his graduation to work as an IT professional. During his trial, Ramamoorthy presented himself to the court as a confused man stranded in America without English language skills despite his sophisticated technological job, federal prosecutors alleged. "His lack of empathy and remorse should not go unnoticed by this court," they argued, seeking nearly 11 years of imprisonment for him.

US-based Indian techie sentenced to nine years for sexual assault inside plane

The oath ceremony of Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan will take place on December 17 after which the cabinet will be inducted, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Congress party on Friday named veteran leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ashok-gehlot-named-chief-minister-of-rajasthan-pilot-to-be-deputy-cm-184061">Ashok Gehlot as the state's new chief minister</a>. Sachin Pilot will be the deputy chief minister of Rajasthan.&nbsp;

The announcement was made by state party observer KC Venugopal.&nbsp;

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot as Rajasthan CM &amp; Dy CM respectively in Jaipur at 10 am. He will also attend the oath ceremony of Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh CM at 1:30 pm on the same day <a href="https://t.co/qYUQAefrSE">https://t.co/qYUQAefrSE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073595764151066624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Venugopal said the decision was taken by party President Rahul Gandhi who will be present during the oath-taking ceremony.&nbsp;

''Congress President Rahul Gandhi has decided to appoint Ashok Gehlot Ji as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan. Sachin Pilot will be the Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan,'' said Venugopal. &nbsp;

According to reports, Congress President Rahul Gandhi will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot as Rajasthan CM and Deputy CM respectively in Jaipur at 10 am on December 17 after which he will head to attend the oath ceremony of Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh CM at 1:30 pm.&nbsp;

The oath ceremony of Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan will take place on December 17 after which the cabinet will be inducted, news agency ANI reported.

The oath ceremony of Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan will take place on December 17 after which the cabinet will be inducted, news agency ANI reported. Congress party on Friday named veteran leader Ashok Gehlot as the state's new chief minister. Sachin Pilot will be the deputy chief minister of Rajasthan. The announcement was made by state party observer KC Venugopal. Congress President Rahul Gandhi will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot as Rajasthan CM & Dy CM respectively in Jaipur at 10 am. He will also attend the oath ceremony of Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh CM at 1:30 pm on the same day https://t.co/qYUQAefrSE — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × Venugopal said the decision was taken by party President Rahul Gandhi who will be present during the oath-taking ceremony. ''Congress President Rahul Gandhi has decided to appoint Ashok Gehlot Ji as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan. Sachin Pilot will be the Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan,'' said Venugopal. According to reports, Congress President Rahul Gandhi will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot as Rajasthan CM and Deputy CM respectively in Jaipur at 10 am on December 17 after which he will head to attend the oath ceremony of Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh CM at 1:30 pm.

Rajasthan: Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot to take oath as Chief Minister, Dy CM on December 17

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/strasbourg-christmas-market-attacker-killed-after-gun-battle-183878">Strasbourg Christmas market attacker killed after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/strasbourg-christmas-market-attacker-killed-after-gun-battle-183878">gun</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/strasbourg-christmas-market-attacker-killed-after-gun-battle-183878"> battle</a>

French security forces on Thursday night killed the suspect, Cherif Chekatt, 29, who was allegedly responsible for the attack on the Christmas market in Strasbourg in which three people had died.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/today-has-been-out-of-this-world-its-a-thumbs-up-for-astronauts-branson-on-virgin-galactics-voyage-183902">Today has been out of this world, it's a thumbs up for astronauts: Branson on Virgin Galactic's voyage into space</a>

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo, VSS Unity, flew higher than it ever has before on Thursday, surpassing what the US Air Force considers the boundary of space, and marking the first manned flight to space from US soil since 2011.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-leaders-reject-mays-plea-over-brexit-deal-183880">EU leaders reject PM Theresa May's plea over Brexit deal</a>

EU leaders rejected a plea by Theresa May on Thursday to help her sell her Brexit deal to parliament, warning she must set out exactly what she wants -- and announcing they would step up contingency plans in case the deal collapses.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-going-to-open-up-whole-country-they-want-to-please-me-trump-183898">China going to open up </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-going-to-open-up-whole-country-they-want-to-please-me-trump-183898">whole</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-going-to-open-up-whole-country-they-want-to-please-me-trump-183898"> country, they want to please me: Trump</a>

In a major policy shift, China is "going to open" up the entire country, US President Donald Trump said Thursday amidst trade negotiations with the Chinese.

"I just see this in the front page of The Wall Street Journal which just came out. China is going to open its policy, a big policy shift. They are going to open the whole country, that they want to please President Trump, that they want to do things that they have to do and that people should have been after China for years, I mean frankly," Trump told Fox News in an interview.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-trump-putin-meeting-while-russia-holds-ukraine-ship-john-bolton-183876">No Trump-Putin meeting while Russia holds Ukraine ship: US NSA John Bolton</a>

There will be no meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin while Russia still holds Ukrainian ships and sailors seized near Crimea, US national security adviser John Bolton said on Thursday.

Strasbourg Christmas market attacker killed after gun battle French security forces on Thursday night killed the suspect, Cherif Chekatt, 29, who was allegedly responsible for the attack on the Christmas market in Strasbourg in which three people had died.

Strasbourg Christmas market attacker killed after gun battle French security forces on Thursday night killed the suspect, Cherif Chekatt, 29, who was allegedly responsible for the attack on the Christmas market in Strasbourg in which three people had died. Today has been out of this world, it's a thumbs up for astronauts: Branson on Virgin Galactic's voyage into space Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo, VSS Unity, flew higher than it ever has before on Thursday, surpassing what the US Air Force considers the boundary of space, and marking the first manned flight to space from US soil since 2011. EU leaders reject PM Theresa May's plea over Brexit deal EU leaders rejected a plea by Theresa May on Thursday to help her sell her Brexit deal to parliament, warning she must set out exactly what she wants -- and announcing they would step up contingency plans in case the deal collapses. China going to open up whole country, they want to please me: Trump In a major policy shift, China is "going to open" up the entire country, US President Donald Trump said Thursday amidst trade negotiations with the Chinese. "I just see this in the front page of The Wall Street Journal which just came out. China is going to open its policy, a big policy shift. They are going to open the whole country, that they want to please President Trump, that they want to do things that they have to do and that people should have been after China for years, I mean frankly," Trump told Fox News in an interview. No Trump-Putin meeting while Russia holds Ukraine ship: US NSA John Bolton There will be no meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin while Russia still holds Ukrainian ships and sailors seized near Crimea, US national security adviser John Bolton said on Thursday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti Friday said her People's Democratic Party (PDP) had an alliance with the BJP knowing it will be 'suicidal'.

When her party entered into a tie-up with the BJP to form government in J&amp;K, it was expected that prime minister Narendra Modi will reach out to Pakistan, she said.

"We knew it (alliance with the BJP) was suicidal for the party. Yet we put everything at stake. For a party which is seen as one that encourages talks with separatists, we thought Modi will rise to the occasion and since (former PM Atal Bihari) Vajpayee did not have that kind of a mandate, we thought he will reach out to Pakistan, to the people of J&amp;K and start what Vajpayee had left," she said.

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M Mufti: My father had a great vision. He wanted the political process started by Vajpayee ji to be taken forward by Modi ji. We thought though it'll damage us politically we'll be able to take Kashmiris out of the mess they're in. That was the real purpose, we staked everything. <a href="https://t.co/EsRXtkAz87">pic.twitter.com/EsRXtkAz87</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073551009614577667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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When Vajpayee ji was the prime minister and her father was chief minister of J&amp;K, the message which went out was both the Centre and the state government were on the same page and the 2002-2005 period became the "golden period", she said.

The PDP ensured a crowd of 30,000 when the prime minister was invited to the Kashmir valley but he did not rise to the occasion, she said, speaking at an event organised by the Observer Research Foundation.

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M Mufti on India-Pak relations after a new Pak PM: People keep saying Imran Khan is a proxy for Army. If he is that, that is better because Army and he will be on the same page &amp; if he is saying that stop, let's have a dialogue, let's go for reconciliation, that's all the better. <a href="https://t.co/XDcYBPCzZ5">pic.twitter.com/XDcYBPCzZ5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073558907186929665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"PM Modi had the mandate which Vajpayee ji did not. While forging an alliance with the BJP, we had thought if he (Modi) could solve Kashmir's woes, we did not mind if that meant an end of PDP. We took disillusionment (of people) on us for this purpose," Mufti said.

Asked if she would be open to an alliance with the Congress and the National Conference, she said, "We had never thought we would ally with the BJP. Now, an alliance with the Congress and NC depends on the need of the hour."

She said countries in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) are being held hostage to the dispute between India and Pakistan.

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M Mufti: So I see a chance but we may have to wait because of domestic politics. Kashmir&amp;India aren't made an issue in Pak during election but in India, unfortunately, politics is such that tougher your stance towards Pak&amp;Kashmir, more votes you expect to get. That's the problem. <a href="https://t.co/OYZBOU6m1a">pic.twitter.com/OYZBOU6m1a</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073559178118094848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The countries in the regional grouping should come together and make Jammu and Kashmir a model of cooperation, the PDP chief said.

"SAARC countries are being held hostage due to the animosity between India and Pakistan. Why can't all the SAARC countries come together and make Jammu and Kashmir a model for co-operation of SAARC countries," she said.

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Mehbooba Mufti: I hope that the manner in which the decision over Rafale deal has been welcomed and no fingers have been pointed at it, similarly when the decision over Babri Masjid comes, it will be similarly awaited and people will not start pointing fingers at Supreme Court. <a href="https://t.co/wVjiFkCKYx">pic.twitter.com/wVjiFkCKYx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073572563983454208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Let's have a SAARC office of all countries in Jammu and Kashmir. Let's have a handicraft university of SAARC countries in Kashmir because there is no better place for handicraft than Kashmir," she said.

The need today is to make borders irrelevant, she said.

Jammu and Kashmir was placed under the governor's rule after the PDP-BJP alliance fell apart in June. Last month, governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the state assembly.&nbsp;

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti Friday said her People's Democratic Party (PDP) had an alliance with the BJP knowing it will be 'suicidal'.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti Friday said her People's Democratic Party (PDP) had an alliance with the BJP knowing it will be 'suicidal'. When her party entered into a tie-up with the BJP to form government in J&K, it was expected that prime minister Narendra Modi will reach out to Pakistan, she said. "We knew it (alliance with the BJP) was suicidal for the party. Yet we put everything at stake. For a party which is seen as one that encourages talks with separatists, we thought Modi will rise to the occasion and since (former PM Atal Bihari) Vajpayee did not have that kind of a mandate, we thought he will reach out to Pakistan, to the people of J&K and start what Vajpayee had left," she said. M Mufti: My father had a great vision. He wanted the political process started by Vajpayee ji to be taken forward by Modi ji. We thought though it'll damage us politically we'll be able to take Kashmiris out of the mess they're in. That was the real purpose, we staked everything. pic.twitter.com/EsRXtkAz87 — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × When Vajpayee ji was the prime minister and her father was chief minister of J&K, the message which went out was both the Centre and the state government were on the same page and the 2002-2005 period became the "golden period", she said. The PDP ensured a crowd of 30,000 when the prime minister was invited to the Kashmir valley but he did not rise to the occasion, she said, speaking at an event organised by the Observer Research Foundation. M Mufti on India-Pak relations after a new Pak PM: People keep saying Imran Khan is a proxy for Army. If he is that, that is better because Army and he will be on the same page & if he is saying that stop, let's have a dialogue, let's go for reconciliation, that's all the better. pic.twitter.com/XDcYBPCzZ5 — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × "PM Modi had the mandate which Vajpayee ji did not. While forging an alliance with the BJP, we had thought if he (Modi) could solve Kashmir's woes, we did not mind if that meant an end of PDP. We took disillusionment (of people) on us for this purpose," Mufti said. Asked if she would be open to an alliance with the Congress and the National Conference, she said, "We had never thought we would ally with the BJP. Now, an alliance with the Congress and NC depends on the need of the hour." She said countries in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) are being held hostage to the dispute between India and Pakistan. M Mufti: So I see a chance but we may have to wait because of domestic politics. Kashmir&India aren't made an issue in Pak during election but in India, unfortunately, politics is such that tougher your stance towards Pak&Kashmir, more votes you expect to get. That's the problem. pic.twitter.com/OYZBOU6m1a — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × The countries in the regional grouping should come together and make Jammu and Kashmir a model of cooperation, the PDP chief said. "SAARC countries are being held hostage due to the animosity between India and Pakistan. Why can't all the SAARC countries come together and make Jammu and Kashmir a model for co-operation of SAARC countries," she said. Mehbooba Mufti: I hope that the manner in which the decision over Rafale deal has been welcomed and no fingers have been pointed at it, similarly when the decision over Babri Masjid comes, it will be similarly awaited and people will not start pointing fingers at Supreme Court. pic.twitter.com/wVjiFkCKYx — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × "Let's have a SAARC office of all countries in Jammu and Kashmir. Let's have a handicraft university of SAARC countries in Kashmir because there is no better place for handicraft than Kashmir," she said. The need today is to make borders irrelevant, she said. Jammu and Kashmir was placed under the governor's rule after the PDP-BJP alliance fell apart in June. Last month, governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the state assembly.

Had alliance with BJP knowing it will be suicidal: Mehbooba Mufti

Hours after Supreme Court ruled out a probe into the pricing details of the Rafale deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi in a hurriedly organised press conference criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said Why there was no Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Rafale deal.

Accusing the government of renogitiating the deal to help a private firm, the Congress president said and added Rafale jets are being procured at an inflated rate. &nbsp;

''Our basic question is how the price of each aircraft has gone up to Rs 1,600 crore from Rs 526 crore,'' he said.

''How can it be possible that the foundation of SC judgement saying that pricing has been discussed in CAG report.PAC chairman (M Kharge) is sitting here, how come he never saw it. No one in PAC ever saw it. But Supreme Court saw it,'' he said. &nbsp;

Rahul asked the government to disclose the CAG report on the Rafale deal.&nbsp;

In its judgement, SC says CAG report on Rafale deal was given to Parliament's Public Accounts Committee. But PAC has not received report, he said.

''Govt will have to explain to us where is the CAG report. Show it to PAC chairman Kharge ji. Maybe a different PAC is running parallelly, maybe in a different Parliament, maybe in the Parliament of France. It's possible Modi ji has constituted his own PAC in PMO,'' Rahul charged.

Alleging commercial favouritism in the deal, he said there was no secrecy code as claimed by the government.&nbsp;

Hours after Supreme Court ruled out a probe into the pricing details of the Rafale deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi in a hurriedly organised press conference criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said Why there was no Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Rafale deal.

Hours after Supreme Court ruled out a probe into the pricing details of the Rafale deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi in a hurriedly organised press conference criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said Why there was no Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Rafale deal. Accusing the government of renogitiating the deal to help a private firm, the Congress president said and added Rafale jets are being procured at an inflated rate. ''Our basic question is how the price of each aircraft has gone up to Rs 1,600 crore from Rs 526 crore,'' he said. ''How can it be possible that the foundation of SC judgement saying that pricing has been discussed in CAG report.PAC chairman (M Kharge) is sitting here, how come he never saw it. No one in PAC ever saw it. But Supreme Court saw it,'' he said. Rahul asked the government to disclose the CAG report on the Rafale deal. In its judgement, SC says CAG report on Rafale deal was given to Parliament's Public Accounts Committee. But PAC has not received report, he said. ''Govt will have to explain to us where is the CAG report. Show it to PAC chairman Kharge ji. Maybe a different PAC is running parallelly, maybe in a different Parliament, maybe in the Parliament of France. It's possible Modi ji has constituted his own PAC in PMO,'' Rahul charged. Alleging commercial favouritism in the deal, he said there was no secrecy code as claimed by the government.

Rafale deal: Rahul Gandhi reiterates demand for JPC probe despite SC's refusal to intervene

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Thursday opined that it is unfair to tag a "one-time <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-goes-to-attend-a-meeting-with-300-bags-enforcement-directorate-on-mallya-183609">loan defaulter Vijay Mallyaji</a>" as a "chor" (thief), adding that the embattled businessman has a four-decade-long track record of timely debt servicing.

Gadkari, however, clarified that he has no business dealing with Mallya, who faces extradition from the UK for alleged bank fraud and money laundering amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crore.

"40 saal Mallya regular payment kar raha tha, byaaj bhar raha tha. 40 saal baad jab wo aviation mein gaya....Uske baad wo adchan mein aaya to woh ekdum chor ho gaya?...Jo pachaas saal byaaj bharta hai wo theek hai, par ek baar wo default ho gaya...Toh turant sab fraud ho gaya? Ye mansikta theek nahi hai."

(For 40 years Mallya was regularly paying interest on loans. After entering the aviation sector, he started facing problems, and suddenly he became a thief? If a person repays the interest for 50 years, and if he defaults once, then suddenly everything is fraud? This mindset is not correct), Gadkari said at an economic summit organised by the Times Group.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-judge-critical-of-indian-banks-in-mallya-extradition-case-183086">UK judge critical of Indian banks in Mallya extradition case</a>

Gadkari said the loan he was referring to was from the Maharashtra government-owned entity Sicom to Mallya, extended 40 years ago, which he repaid on time without any default.

Stating that ups and downs are part and parcel of any business, the road transport minister said if someone goes through a downward cycle, then he or she has to be supported.

"There are risks in the business, be it banking or insurance, there are ups and downs. But, if the mistakes are bona fide, because of global or internal factors in the economy like a recession, then that person who is facing difficulties must be given support," the minister said.

Likening an election loss to a business failure, he recalled how he lost an election when he was all of 26, but underlined that the loss did not mean that his political career ended.

"If Nirav Modi or Vijay Mallyaji has committed (financial) fraud then send them to jail, but whoever comes in distress, and if we label them as fraudster then our economy will not progress," he said.

Earlier this week, a London court had ordered Mallya's extradition, in a major boost to the government's efforts to bring back the fugitive businessman.

Ahead of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallya-extradition-to-speed-up-loan-recovery-process-sbi-183208">extradition hearing</a>, the 62-year-old former boss of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines offered to repay the entire principal amount to banks.

Gadkari has for long been calling for a more considerate and realistic approach to NPAs, and indirectly blamed the bankers for the NPA mess, saying our banking system is such that it does not support sick companies.

"When someone is serious then we put him/her in an ICU, but our banking system first puts a sick company in the ICU and then ensures that it dies," he quipped.

Last month, Gadkari had blamed the RBI for "complicating" project finance, saying over 150 projects involving over Rs 2 trillion investments are struggling to get financial closure.

"Unfortunately, many times ...The circulars issued by the RBI are creating more complications and this is one of the reasons why I am facing problems as far as financial closure is concerned," Gadkari had said.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Thursday opined that it is unfair to tag a "one-time loan defaulter Vijay Mallyaji" as a "chor" (thief), adding that the embattled businessman has a four-decade-long track record of timely debt servicing.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Thursday opined that it is unfair to tag a "one-time loan defaulter Vijay Mallyaji" as a "chor" (thief), adding that the embattled businessman has a four-decade-long track record of timely debt servicing. Gadkari, however, clarified that he has no business dealing with Mallya, who faces extradition from the UK for alleged bank fraud and money laundering amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crore. "40 saal Mallya regular payment kar raha tha, byaaj bhar raha tha. 40 saal baad jab wo aviation mein gaya....Uske baad wo adchan mein aaya to woh ekdum chor ho gaya?...Jo pachaas saal byaaj bharta hai wo theek hai, par ek baar wo default ho gaya...Toh turant sab fraud ho gaya? Ye mansikta theek nahi hai." (For 40 years Mallya was regularly paying interest on loans. After entering the aviation sector, he started facing problems, and suddenly he became a thief? If a person repays the interest for 50 years, and if he defaults once, then suddenly everything is fraud? This mindset is not correct), Gadkari said at an economic summit organised by the Times Group. Also read: UK judge critical of Indian banks in Mallya extradition case Gadkari said the loan he was referring to was from the Maharashtra government-owned entity Sicom to Mallya, extended 40 years ago, which he repaid on time without any default. Stating that ups and downs are part and parcel of any business, the road transport minister said if someone goes through a downward cycle, then he or she has to be supported. "There are risks in the business, be it banking or insurance, there are ups and downs. But, if the mistakes are bona fide, because of global or internal factors in the economy like a recession, then that person who is facing difficulties must be given support," the minister said. Likening an election loss to a business failure, he recalled how he lost an election when he was all of 26, but underlined that the loss did not mean that his political career ended. "If Nirav Modi or Vijay Mallyaji has committed (financial) fraud then send them to jail, but whoever comes in distress, and if we label them as fraudster then our economy will not progress," he said. Earlier this week, a London court had ordered Mallya's extradition, in a major boost to the government's efforts to bring back the fugitive businessman. Ahead of the extradition hearing, the 62-year-old former boss of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines offered to repay the entire principal amount to banks. Gadkari has for long been calling for a more considerate and realistic approach to NPAs, and indirectly blamed the bankers for the NPA mess, saying our banking system is such that it does not support sick companies. "When someone is serious then we put him/her in an ICU, but our banking system first puts a sick company in the ICU and then ensures that it dies," he quipped. Last month, Gadkari had blamed the RBI for "complicating" project finance, saying over 150 projects involving over Rs 2 trillion investments are struggling to get financial closure. "Unfortunately, many times ...The circulars issued by the RBI are creating more complications and this is one of the reasons why I am facing problems as far as financial closure is concerned," Gadkari had said.

Mallya a one-time defaulter, unfair to call him 'chor': Nitin Gadkari

The first meeting of the newly constituted India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges will take place on December 21. The meeting will be co-chaired by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Remember, this was one of the outcomes agreed upon during the Wuhan informal summit which took place in China earlier this year.&nbsp;

According to the Ministry of External Affairs release, "the High-Level Mechanism reflects the desire on both the sides to build greater synergies in the people-to-people ties between the two countries through enhanced exchanges in areas such as tourism, art, films, media, culture, sports and academic and youth exchanges."

The release added that the High-Level Mechanism "will bring all the existing bilateral cultural and people-to-people engagements between India and China under one umbrella and, thus, add more substance and purpose to the efforts on both sides to promote greater cultural and people-to-people exchanges between them."

Several events will also be held on the sidelines of the meeting of the High-Level Mechanism, including an India-China think tanks forum and a High-Level media forum.

This year saw Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting for a record four times. They first met at the Informal Wuhan Summit in China, followed by a meeting during the Shanghai Cooperation Summit in China and BRICS summit in South Africa. The two leaders finally met in Argentina on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The development comes in the backdrop of the worst stand-off between Indian and Chinese forces at the Doklam Plateau in Bhutan.

During the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-xi-summit-in-wuhan-removed-several-misconceptions-between-india-and-china-indian-envoy-177673">informal meet in China's Wuhan</a>, India and China also agreed on taking up joint projects in Afghanistan. The first one was the joint training of Afghan Diplomats in Delhi and Bejing which took place in the month of April.&nbsp;

India and China, earlier this month, resumed the joint military exercise "Hand In Hand" in which Indian and Chinese forces were seen sharing lighter moments and doing the Bhangra together.&nbsp;

The first meeting of the newly constituted India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges will take place on December 21. The meeting will be co-chaired by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The first meeting of the newly constituted India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges will take place on December 21. The meeting will be co-chaired by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Remember, this was one of the outcomes agreed upon during the Wuhan informal summit which took place in China earlier this year. According to the Ministry of External Affairs release, "the High-Level Mechanism reflects the desire on both the sides to build greater synergies in the people-to-people ties between the two countries through enhanced exchanges in areas such as tourism, art, films, media, culture, sports and academic and youth exchanges." The release added that the High-Level Mechanism "will bring all the existing bilateral cultural and people-to-people engagements between India and China under one umbrella and, thus, add more substance and purpose to the efforts on both sides to promote greater cultural and people-to-people exchanges between them." Several events will also be held on the sidelines of the meeting of the High-Level Mechanism, including an India-China think tanks forum and a High-Level media forum. This year saw Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting for a record four times. They first met at the Informal Wuhan Summit in China, followed by a meeting during the Shanghai Cooperation Summit in China and BRICS summit in South Africa. The two leaders finally met in Argentina on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The development comes in the backdrop of the worst stand-off between Indian and Chinese forces at the Doklam Plateau in Bhutan. During the informal meet in China's Wuhan, India and China also agreed on taking up joint projects in Afghanistan. The first one was the joint training of Afghan Diplomats in Delhi and Bejing which took place in the month of April. India and China, earlier this month, resumed the joint military exercise "Hand In Hand" in which Indian and Chinese forces were seen sharing lighter moments and doing the Bhangra together.

Indian, Chinese foreign ministers to meet in Delhi on December 21

Senior Congress leader and Rajasthan observer KC Venugopal, who met Congress party president Rahul Gandhi late on Thursday evening, said that there would be a final decision on who would assume the office of chief minister in Rajasthan on Friday morning.

"Rahul Gandhi needs some more time for deliberations and a final decision. No meeting (has been scheduled) for tomorrow. In the morning there will be a decision," Venugopal told reporters in the national capital after meeting the Congress chief yesterday.

Also read: <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">As suspense over CMs builds, Rahul tweets: 'The two most powerful warriors are...'</a>

In addition to Venugopal, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-meets-with-rajasthan-cm-hopefuls-its-advantage-gehlot-183738">Ashok Gehlot </a>and Sachin Pilot, who are considered as the front-runners for the post of chief minister, and Congress leader Avinash Pandey, were also present in the meeting.

Earlier on Thursday, supporters of Pilot, who is perceived to be the one who slogged in the trenches for five years to elevate the Congress from a 21-seat winning party in 2013 to 99 this time around, demonstrated in Rajasthan's Karauli district, blocking traffic and raising slogans for Pilot's appointment as the chief minister.

In the recently-concluded Assembly elections in Rajasthan, the Congress bagged 99 seats out of 199, while their key opponent- the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)- managed to secure 73.

Among the remaining seats, six went to Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) while 21 went to independent candidates.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader and Rajasthan observer KC Venugopal, who met Congress party president Rahul Gandhi late on Thursday evening, said that there would be a final decision on who would assume the office of chief minister in Rajasthan on Friday morning.

Senior Congress leader and Rajasthan observer KC Venugopal, who met Congress party president Rahul Gandhi late on Thursday evening, said that there would be a final decision on who would assume the office of chief minister in Rajasthan on Friday morning. "Rahul Gandhi needs some more time for deliberations and a final decision. No meeting (has been scheduled) for tomorrow. In the morning there will be a decision," Venugopal told reporters in the national capital after meeting the Congress chief yesterday. Also read: As suspense over CMs builds, Rahul tweets: 'The two most powerful warriors are...' In addition to Venugopal, Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, who are considered as the front-runners for the post of chief minister, and Congress leader Avinash Pandey, were also present in the meeting. Earlier on Thursday, supporters of Pilot, who is perceived to be the one who slogged in the trenches for five years to elevate the Congress from a 21-seat winning party in 2013 to 99 this time around, demonstrated in Rajasthan's Karauli district, blocking traffic and raising slogans for Pilot's appointment as the chief minister. In the recently-concluded Assembly elections in Rajasthan, the Congress bagged 99 seats out of 199, while their key opponent- the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)- managed to secure 73. Among the remaining seats, six went to Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) while 21 went to independent candidates.

Congress leader Venugopal to announce final decision on Rajasthan CM today

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-on-rafael-deal-has-been-thouroughly-through-the-supreme-court-laid-to-rest-sitharaman-184062">Falsehood has a short life: Arun Jaitley after Supreme Court's judgement on Rafale deal</a>

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''.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ashok-gehlot-named-chief-minister-of-rajasthan-pilot-to-be-deputy-cm-184061">Ashok Gehlot named </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ashok-gehlot-named-chief-minister-of-rajasthan-pilot-to-be-deputy-cm-184061">chief</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ashok-gehlot-named-chief-minister-of-rajasthan-pilot-to-be-deputy-cm-184061"> minister of Rajasthan, Pilot to be deputy CM</a>

Bringing an end to the three-day impasse over the question of leadership in Rajasthan, Congress party on Friday named veteran leader Ashok Gehlot as the state's new chief minister. &nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-inaugural-committee-under-criminal-investigation-over-fund-wrongdoing-report-184063">Trump's inaugural committee under investigation over fund wrongdoing: Report</a>

President Donald Trump's 2017 inaugural committee is being investigated by federal prosecutors in New York over allegations that it misspent funds or accepted donations in exchange for access to his administration, according to a media report.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-accusations-against-russian-butina-absolutely-unfounded-kremlin-184054">US accusations against Russian Butina 'absolutely unfounded': Kremlin</a>

Kremlin on Friday held the accusations made by Maria Butina, the first Russian to be convicted of working to influence US policy during the 2016 presidential race as "absolutely unfounded".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-truth-always-triumphs-supreme-court-order-exposes-rahul-gandhi-bjp-chief-amit-shah-184021">Amit Shah slams Rahul </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-truth-always-triumphs-supreme-court-order-exposes-rahul-gandhi-bjp-chief-amit-shah-184021">Gandhi,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-truth-always-triumphs-supreme-court-order-exposes-rahul-gandhi-bjp-chief-amit-shah-184021"> says Rafale deal verdict is </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-truth-always-triumphs-supreme-court-order-exposes-rahul-gandhi-bjp-chief-amit-shah-184021">slap</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-truth-always-triumphs-supreme-court-order-exposes-rahul-gandhi-bjp-chief-amit-shah-184021"> on politics of lies</a>

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's order on the Rafale deal saying that the "truth has won". He also slammed Congress party and its chief Rahul Gandhi saying that people were being misled by unfortunately the country's oldest party.

&nbsp;

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

Falsehood has a short life: Arun Jaitley after Supreme Court's judgement on Rafale deal 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''. Ashok Gehlot named chief minister of Rajasthan, Pilot to be deputy CM Bringing an end to the three-day impasse over the question of leadership in Rajasthan, Congress party on Friday named veteran leader Ashok Gehlot as the state's new chief minister. Trump's inaugural committee under investigation over fund wrongdoing: Report President Donald Trump's 2017 inaugural committee is being investigated by federal prosecutors in New York over allegations that it misspent funds or accepted donations in exchange for access to his administration, according to a media report. US accusations against Russian Butina 'absolutely unfounded': Kremlin Kremlin on Friday held the accusations made by Maria Butina, the first Russian to be convicted of working to influence US policy during the 2016 presidential race as "absolutely unfounded". Amit Shah slams Rahul Gandhi, says Rafale deal verdict is slap on politics of lies Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah on Friday welcomed Supreme Court's order on the Rafale deal saying that the "truth has won". He also slammed Congress party and its chief Rahul Gandhi saying that people were being misled by unfortunately the country's oldest party.

Rafale deal allegations put to rest with Supreme Court court verdict, says Nirmala Sitharaman

People celebrate birthdays but ever heard of anyone celebrating mortality? A village of Aryans in Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh region called Brokpa does exactly that. The 'Yata Festival' as it is called was celebrated after a period of fifty years.&nbsp;

About 70 kilometres from Kargil near Baralik sector a two-day long festival of death was celebrated by the local Aryans living in this Darchik village.&nbsp;

The festival witnessed traditional dance performance and preparing special meals.

The unique festival is celebrated for the elderly of this tribe who are on the verge of death and are above 60 years of age. Passing on through generations, the festival is locally known as 'Yata'.&nbsp;

<img alt=" 'Yata Festival'" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0e59c6f4-badb-4d84-aac6-0d340d7e0daf" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/file.jpeg" />

Elderly of the tribe invite the people of the village before they die to enjoy the dance and eat traditional food.&nbsp;

''We call everyone to this village. The elderly men and women are brought here and it becomes a sort of anniversary for them,'' said one of the villages.&nbsp;

Dressed in traditional clothes, the entire village gathered to wish the elderly people who were presented with special butter made from yak milk.&nbsp;

''We make a lot of dishes and locally we call it Yata. We invite everyone from villages to see this and enjoy the meal,'' said another villager.

These four villagers of Aryans live on the northern bank of Indus on the road to Baltistan and claim to be the direct descendants from the Alexander’s Army.&nbsp;

<img alt=" 'Yata Festival'" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d854c98d-b195-4c0e-9582-e5b69a2d02ac" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/file1.jpeg" />

It is reported that some of Alexander’s Armymen stayed back after he abandoned his campaign at the banks of river Indus in 326 BC. The tribe is also found in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and other parts.&nbsp;

People celebrate birthdays but ever heard of anyone celebrating mortality? A village of Aryans in Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh region called Brokpa does exactly that.

People celebrate birthdays but ever heard of anyone celebrating mortality? A village of Aryans in Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh region called Brokpa does exactly that. The 'Yata Festival' as it is called was celebrated after a period of fifty years. About 70 kilometres from Kargil near Baralik sector a two-day long festival of death was celebrated by the local Aryans living in this Darchik village. The festival witnessed traditional dance performance and preparing special meals. The unique festival is celebrated for the elderly of this tribe who are on the verge of death and are above 60 years of age. Passing on through generations, the festival is locally known as 'Yata'. Elderly of the tribe invite the people of the village before they die to enjoy the dance and eat traditional food. ''We call everyone to this village. The elderly men and women are brought here and it becomes a sort of anniversary for them,'' said one of the villages. Dressed in traditional clothes, the entire village gathered to wish the elderly people who were presented with special butter made from yak milk. ''We make a lot of dishes and locally we call it Yata. We invite everyone from villages to see this and enjoy the meal,'' said another villager. These four villagers of Aryans live on the northern bank of Indus on the road to Baltistan and claim to be the direct descendants from the Alexander’s Army. It is reported that some of Alexander’s Armymen stayed back after he abandoned his campaign at the banks of river Indus in 326 BC. The tribe is also found in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and other parts.

This Ladakh village celebrates mortality with 'festival of death' 

In the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, shutdowns and curfews often bring life and business to a standstill. Setting up a new business sector could be disastrous but there is a generation of women who are breaking barriers and establishing their own business.&nbsp;

Mufti Sadia started her business when there were no women in the clothing sector of Kashmir. Her boutique was among the first in Srinagar after she decided to opt out of her job and work independently in the valley.&nbsp;

Facing many hurdles and challenges, Sadia started her own brand called 'Hangers, the closet' in 2014 at a shopping mall. She says that since then she has never looked back despite negative comments from a&nbsp;certain section.&nbsp;

"My father wasn't sure about what I was doing because I was just 24-year-old back then but now he also supports me in what I am doing," says Sadia while attending a customer.

Her family has been a source of inspiration for Sadia and has always helped her to cope up with difficulties. It was because of the&nbsp;family's support that the new and female entrepreneur emerged successful&nbsp;in the volatile state. Hangers is now a known band in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Sadia draws most of her customers online through Instagram and Facebook. Most of her designs give a&nbsp;western touch to the Kashmiri traditional wear. Starting from zero, she has now hired a salesgirl among eleven others.

<img alt="Mufti Sadia " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9697d224-08e2-4602-be42-e65c2a5aa32e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/kashmir%202.JPG" />

"The response is good so far, I get negative comments on social media even by women but I think the negative comments given to me have helped me grow from a better person to a better designer," Sadia says.

While Saida has inspired many girls to set up their own clothing range, there is another woman in the old city of Srinagar, who saved her family from an impending bankruptcy.&nbsp;

Rifat Massodi, a mother of two bravely took up the task of establishing a manufacturing unit in the volatile area of Srinagar.

Soon after the death of her father-in-law,&nbsp;the family was thinking to close down the bat manufacturing unit located in one of the most volatile areas of Srinagar.&nbsp;

Braving all odds, Rifat convinced her husband, a football coach, to let her run the factory which employed many local workers. Despite the social backlash, she took the up the challenge in the year 2000.&nbsp;

<img alt="Rifat Massodi." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af7433be-1eb4-47ef-a890-5655d084f6eb" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/k3.JPG" />

Every morning after sending her kids to school, she steps into this small unit near her house to oversee&nbsp;the work. Today, Rifat's bat unit produces thousands of baths per month which are transported to many states including Maharashtra and Kerala.

"It is difficult to manage everything, in the morning I do my work at home, then I come to this unit. Later, when the kids come at 4 PM, I go to see them. I also take care of my mother-in-law," says Rifat.

In recent times, many Kashmiri women have bravely turned into successful entrepreneurs in the conservative society. Many of them are now bravely chasing their own dreams.&nbsp;

Rifat now wishes to see her bat in the hands of international and national players. These women entrepreneurs have become an inspiration for many in the state with more coming into the business sector.&nbsp;

In the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, shutdowns and curfews often bring life and business to a standstill. Setting up a new business sector could be disastrous but there is a generation of women who are breaking barriers and establishing their own business.

In the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, shutdowns and curfews often bring life and business to a standstill. Setting up a new business sector could be disastrous but there is a generation of women who are breaking barriers and establishing their own business. Mufti Sadia started her business when there were no women in the clothing sector of Kashmir. Her boutique was among the first in Srinagar after she decided to opt out of her job and work independently in the valley. Facing many hurdles and challenges, Sadia started her own brand called 'Hangers, the closet' in 2014 at a shopping mall. She says that since then she has never looked back despite negative comments from a certain section. "My father wasn't sure about what I was doing because I was just 24-year-old back then but now he also supports me in what I am doing," says Sadia while attending a customer. Her family has been a source of inspiration for Sadia and has always helped her to cope up with difficulties. It was because of the family's support that the new and female entrepreneur emerged successful in the volatile state. Hangers is now a known band in Kashmir. Sadia draws most of her customers online through Instagram and Facebook. Most of her designs give a western touch to the Kashmiri traditional wear. Starting from zero, she has now hired a salesgirl among eleven others. "The response is good so far, I get negative comments on social media even by women but I think the negative comments given to me have helped me grow from a better person to a better designer," Sadia says. While Saida has inspired many girls to set up their own clothing range, there is another woman in the old city of Srinagar, who saved her family from an impending bankruptcy. Rifat Massodi, a mother of two bravely took up the task of establishing a manufacturing unit in the volatile area of Srinagar. Soon after the death of her father-in-law, the family was thinking to close down the bat manufacturing unit located in one of the most volatile areas of Srinagar. Braving all odds, Rifat convinced her husband, a football coach, to let her run the factory which employed many local workers. Despite the social backlash, she took the up the challenge in the year 2000. Every morning after sending her kids to school, she steps into this small unit near her house to oversee the work. Today, Rifat's bat unit produces thousands of baths per month which are transported to many states including Maharashtra and Kerala. "It is difficult to manage everything, in the morning I do my work at home, then I come to this unit. Later, when the kids come at 4 PM, I go to see them. I also take care of my mother-in-law," says Rifat. In recent times, many Kashmiri women have bravely turned into successful entrepreneurs in the conservative society. Many of them are now bravely chasing their own dreams. Rifat now wishes to see her bat in the hands of international and national players. These women entrepreneurs have become an inspiration for many in the state with more coming into the business sector.

Women entrepreneurs break barriers in Kashmir

Posters earmarking separate entry and exit points and wash basins for vegetarian and non-vegetarian students have been allegedly pasted at a mess of the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, kicking up a row with a section of students alleging discrimination.

While pictures of the posters bearing the name of a local caterer and pasted near the doors of the mess were circulated by some students on the social media, an official pleaded ignorance about them and said if found to be true the handbills will be removed.

A student said the posters had been put up near two entrances of the north Indian mess located on the second floor of Himalaya Mess Complex, specifying separate entry points and wash basins for non-vegetarian and vegetarian students.

One of the pictures of the poster circulated on social media read "Hand Wash Vegetarian Students" while another said "Winter vacation mess - food arrangements. Entry/exit non-vegetarian food students."

When contacted, an official in the mess monitoring and control committee of IIT-M told PTI that he was unaware of the posters.

He also said arrangements were made for preparing Jain food (without onion or garlic) and he was unaware of any discriminatory arrangements based on vegetarian and non-vegetarian.

A research scholar alleged that what started as a demand for a mess catering to 'pure' vegetarians last year had now become full-fledged untouchability'.

"This is the first time a mess has two separate entrances for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Not just that, even separate wash basins and separate utensils as well," the student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

According to some students, there has been demand from a section of students for a separate vegetarian mess ever since the 'beef festival' incident in May last year.

A research scholar was allegedly thrashed for taking part in the 'beef festival' by some students claimed to be Sangh Parivar supporters.&nbsp;

Posters earmarking separate entry and exit points and wash basins for vegetarian and non-vegetarian students have been allegedly pasted at a mess of the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, kicking up a row with a section of students alleging discrimination.

Posters earmarking separate entry and exit points and wash basins for vegetarian and non-vegetarian students have been allegedly pasted at a mess of the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, kicking up a row with a section of students alleging discrimination. While pictures of the posters bearing the name of a local caterer and pasted near the doors of the mess were circulated by some students on the social media, an official pleaded ignorance about them and said if found to be true the handbills will be removed. A student said the posters had been put up near two entrances of the north Indian mess located on the second floor of Himalaya Mess Complex, specifying separate entry points and wash basins for non-vegetarian and vegetarian students. One of the pictures of the poster circulated on social media read "Hand Wash Vegetarian Students" while another said "Winter vacation mess - food arrangements. Entry/exit non-vegetarian food students." When contacted, an official in the mess monitoring and control committee of IIT-M told PTI that he was unaware of the posters. He also said arrangements were made for preparing Jain food (without onion or garlic) and he was unaware of any discriminatory arrangements based on vegetarian and non-vegetarian. A research scholar alleged that what started as a demand for a mess catering to 'pure' vegetarians last year had now become full-fledged untouchability'. "This is the first time a mess has two separate entrances for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Not just that, even separate wash basins and separate utensils as well," the student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said. According to some students, there has been demand from a section of students for a separate vegetarian mess ever since the 'beef festival' incident in May last year. A research scholar was allegedly thrashed for taking part in the 'beef festival' by some students claimed to be Sangh Parivar supporters.

Posters for separate entry for veg, non-veg IIT-Madras students kick up row

The chiefs of Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing Rajiv Jain and Anil K Dhasmana respectively got extensions of six months each on Friday from their two-year terms, which were coming to an end later this month, a government order said.

Jain's tenure was to end on December 30 while Dhasmana's was to end on December 29.

The decision to extend the tenure of the two intelligence chiefs by six months was taken due to the forthcoming general election and the centre wanted a new government to take a decision on these key posts, said the officials who know about the decision.

Jain, a 1980-batch IPS officer from Jharkhand, was appointed IB Director on December 30, 2016 for a period of two years.

A recipient of the President's Police Medal, Jain has served in various departments of the IB, including the sensitive Kashmir Desk. He was advisor to the previous NDA government's interlocutor on Kashmir K C Pant when talks were held with separatist leaders like Shabbir Shah.

Dhasmana took over the reins of the R&amp;AW, tasked with gathering external intelligence.

A 1981-batch officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Dhasmana has been with R&amp;AW for the past 23 years, during which he served in important areas, including the Pakistan Desk.&nbsp;

The chiefs of Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing Rajiv Jain and Anil K Dhasmana respectively got extensions of six months each on Friday from their two-year terms, which were coming to an end later this month, a government order said.

The chiefs of Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing Rajiv Jain and Anil K Dhasmana respectively got extensions of six months each on Friday from their two-year terms, which were coming to an end later this month, a government order said. Jain's tenure was to end on December 30 while Dhasmana's was to end on December 29. The decision to extend the tenure of the two intelligence chiefs by six months was taken due to the forthcoming general election and the centre wanted a new government to take a decision on these key posts, said the officials who know about the decision. Jain, a 1980-batch IPS officer from Jharkhand, was appointed IB Director on December 30, 2016 for a period of two years. A recipient of the President's Police Medal, Jain has served in various departments of the IB, including the sensitive Kashmir Desk. He was advisor to the previous NDA government's interlocutor on Kashmir K C Pant when talks were held with separatist leaders like Shabbir Shah. Dhasmana took over the reins of the R&AW, tasked with gathering external intelligence. A 1981-batch officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Dhasmana has been with R&AW for the past 23 years, during which he served in important areas, including the Pakistan Desk.

IB and RAW chiefs get six months extension

A day after assuming office as chief minister of Telangana, TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday appointed his son and former minister KT Rama Rao as the party's working president.

According a press release from KCR's office, Rama Rao's appointment was necessitated as Chandrasekhar Rao will have to concentrate on national politics and also focus on various developmental activities in the state.

"Party president and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao appointed Sircilla MLA as the working president," it said.

KCR believes that the party will further progress under the leadership of KTR, the release added.

KCR returned as the chief minister for the second consecutive term on Thursday after registering a landslide victory in the December 7 polls by winning &nbsp;88 seats in the 119-member assembly in the December 7 polls.

Soon after the results were announced, KCR declared that the TRS would play a crucial role in national politics.

He has been pitching for a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front of regional parties to take on the two national parties.

"...Congress-mukt Bharat... BJP-mukt Bharat... That is needed," he had said.&nbsp;

A day after assuming office as chief minister of Telangana, TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday appointed his son and former minister KT Rama Rao as the party's working president.

A day after assuming office as chief minister of Telangana, TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday appointed his son and former minister KT Rama Rao as the party's working president. According a press release from KCR's office, Rama Rao's appointment was necessitated as Chandrasekhar Rao will have to concentrate on national politics and also focus on various developmental activities in the state. "Party president and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao appointed Sircilla MLA as the working president," it said. KCR believes that the party will further progress under the leadership of KTR, the release added. KCR returned as the chief minister for the second consecutive term on Thursday after registering a landslide victory in the December 7 polls by winning 88 seats in the 119-member assembly in the December 7 polls. Soon after the results were announced, KCR declared that the TRS would play a crucial role in national politics. He has been pitching for a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front of regional parties to take on the two national parties. "...Congress-mukt Bharat... BJP-mukt Bharat... That is needed," he had said.

Telangana: KCR's son K T Rama Rao appointed working president of TRS

Bringing an end to the three-day impasse over the question of leadership in Rajasthan, Congress party on Friday named veteran leader Ashok Gehlot as the state's new chief minister. &nbsp;

Sachin Pilot will be the deputy chief minister of the state.&nbsp;

The announcement was made by party observer for the state K.C. Venugopal,&nbsp;All India Congress Committee observer for Rajasthan.&nbsp;

Venugopal said the decision was taken by party President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

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Rajasthan Chief Minister designate Ashok Gehlot and Deputy Chief Minister designate Sachin Pilot at AICC headquarters in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/lwCnOcUayj">pic.twitter.com/lwCnOcUayj</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073531322113642496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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''Congress President Rahul Gandhi has decided to appoint Ashok Gehlot Ji as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan. Sachin Pilot will be the Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan,'' said Venugopal. &nbsp;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/ashokgehlot51?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashokgehlot51</a> a stalwart of the Congress party has been elected CM of Rajasthan. We wish him the best as he takes on this new appointment with vigour, sincerity &amp; a commitment to our democratic values. <a href="https://t.co/eMvwuZYMM9">pic.twitter.com/eMvwuZYMM9</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1073529175439376386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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''I would like to thank Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other legislators for taking this decision to make Ashok Gehlot Ji the Chief Minister of Rajasthan,'' said Pilot.&nbsp;

Bringing an end to the three-day impasse over the question of leadership in Rajasthan, Congress party on Friday named veteran leader Ashok Gehlot as the state's new chief minister.

Bringing an end to the three-day impasse over the question of leadership in Rajasthan, Congress party on Friday named veteran leader Ashok Gehlot as the state's new chief minister. Sachin Pilot will be the deputy chief minister of the state. The announcement was made by party observer for the state K.C. Venugopal, All India Congress Committee observer for Rajasthan. Venugopal said the decision was taken by party President Rahul Gandhi. Rajasthan Chief Minister designate Ashok Gehlot and Deputy Chief Minister designate Sachin Pilot at AICC headquarters in Delhi pic.twitter.com/lwCnOcUayj — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × ''Congress President Rahul Gandhi has decided to appoint Ashok Gehlot Ji as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan. Sachin Pilot will be the Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan,'' said Venugopal. .@ashokgehlot51 a stalwart of the Congress party has been elected CM of Rajasthan. We wish him the best as he takes on this new appointment with vigour, sincerity & a commitment to our democratic values. pic.twitter.com/eMvwuZYMM9 — Congress (@INCIndia) December 14, 2018 × ''I would like to thank Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other legislators for taking this decision to make Ashok Gehlot Ji the Chief Minister of Rajasthan,'' said Pilot.

Ashok Gehlot named chief minister of Rajasthan, Pilot to be deputy CM

The Congress on Thursday night named veteran leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/suspends-ends-kamal-nath-is-the-new-madhya-pradesh-cm-183854">Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh's next chief minister</a>, after hours of hectic parleys held by the party chief Rahul Gandhi with senior party leaders.

Flanked by Jyotiraditya Scindia, the other senior leader from the state who was in contention for the top post, Nath said that as the new chief minister he would ensure all promises made by the Congress party are fulfilled and that Madhya Pradesh's future was secure.

Asserting that the state unit of the party was united and there were no "camps", Nath said that he has no problems with Scindia and maintains good relations with all leaders in the state.

Nath, 72, will meet Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel at 10.30 am Friday to take forward the government formation and discuss the details of swearing-in ceremony.

Asked about the Congress's manifesto promise of farm loan waiver, he said, "It is a challenging time and we will all together fulfil the promises made in our 'Vachan Patra'."

Nath, who has earlier held multiple portfolios in the union cabinet, recalled his association with the former prime minister Indira Gandhi and said it was she who had introduced him to Chhindwara, which has since become his home turf electing him to Lok Sabha nine times.

He also said that he has had the privilege of working with Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and now Rahul Gandhi.

Nath also thanked Scindia and said that he had also worked with his father late Madhavrao Scindia. "He has supported me and that matters a lot," he said.

The announcement of Nath's name as the new chief minister was made by the party observer for the state A K Antony after being elected "unanimously" as the new Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader at meeting of the newly-elected MLAs, soon after the veteran leader reached Bhopal to a rousing welcome by his supporters chanting 'Jai Jai Kamal Nath'.

His name was decided as the chosen one after marathon meetings at the party president Rahul Gandhi's residence in the national capital, attended by various senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi.

Rahul's sister Priyanka Gandhi had also reached the Tughlaq Lane house when the deliberations were on, but it could not be confirmed whether she was also a participant.

Soon after arriving in Bhopal, Nath and Scindia reached Indira Bhawan, the Congress state headquarters, and held a meeting of party's newly elected MLAs and conveyed the party high command's decision.&nbsp;

Nath, who was appointed as president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee on April 26, is credited with having steered the party to a win in the just-concluded assembly polls, in which the party bagged 114 seats.

The Congress has secured the support of a total of 121 MLAs, including SP (1) and BSP (2) legislators as also of four independents, to cross the majority mark of 116 seats in the 230-member assembly.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats in the elections. The saffron party's Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the state's longest-serving chief minister since taking charge in 2005.&nbsp;

Nath said he was "hungry" for the Congress's return to power in the state and asserted that the party has got "unconditional" support from the SP and the BSP.&nbsp;

The Congress on Thursday night named veteran leader Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh's next chief minister, after hours of hectic parleys held by the party chief Rahul Gandhi with senior party leaders.

The Congress on Thursday night named veteran leader Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh's next chief minister, after hours of hectic parleys held by the party chief Rahul Gandhi with senior party leaders. Flanked by Jyotiraditya Scindia, the other senior leader from the state who was in contention for the top post, Nath said that as the new chief minister he would ensure all promises made by the Congress party are fulfilled and that Madhya Pradesh's future was secure. Asserting that the state unit of the party was united and there were no "camps", Nath said that he has no problems with Scindia and maintains good relations with all leaders in the state. Nath, 72, will meet Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel at 10.30 am Friday to take forward the government formation and discuss the details of swearing-in ceremony. Asked about the Congress's manifesto promise of farm loan waiver, he said, "It is a challenging time and we will all together fulfil the promises made in our 'Vachan Patra'." Nath, who has earlier held multiple portfolios in the union cabinet, recalled his association with the former prime minister Indira Gandhi and said it was she who had introduced him to Chhindwara, which has since become his home turf electing him to Lok Sabha nine times. He also said that he has had the privilege of working with Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and now Rahul Gandhi. Nath also thanked Scindia and said that he had also worked with his father late Madhavrao Scindia. "He has supported me and that matters a lot," he said. The announcement of Nath's name as the new chief minister was made by the party observer for the state A K Antony after being elected "unanimously" as the new Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader at meeting of the newly-elected MLAs, soon after the veteran leader reached Bhopal to a rousing welcome by his supporters chanting 'Jai Jai Kamal Nath'. His name was decided as the chosen one after marathon meetings at the party president Rahul Gandhi's residence in the national capital, attended by various senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi. Rahul's sister Priyanka Gandhi had also reached the Tughlaq Lane house when the deliberations were on, but it could not be confirmed whether she was also a participant. Soon after arriving in Bhopal, Nath and Scindia reached Indira Bhawan, the Congress state headquarters, and held a meeting of party's newly elected MLAs and conveyed the party high command's decision. Nath, who was appointed as president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee on April 26, is credited with having steered the party to a win in the just-concluded assembly polls, in which the party bagged 114 seats. The Congress has secured the support of a total of 121 MLAs, including SP (1) and BSP (2) legislators as also of four independents, to cross the majority mark of 116 seats in the 230-member assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which ruled the state for 15 years, got 109 seats in the elections. The saffron party's Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the state's longest-serving chief minister since taking charge in 2005. Nath said he was "hungry" for the Congress's return to power in the state and asserted that the party has got "unconditional" support from the SP and the BSP.

Will fulfill all promise made by Congress: Kamal Nath

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